The president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., one of the 15 firms awarded government flood control projects, admitted he donated P30 million to Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s 2022 senatorial campaign, but stressed it came from his personal funds.
At a House hearing on flood control projects, company president Lawrence Lubiano confirmed the contribution. Asked by Akbayan Party-list Representative Chel Diokno if he had also donated to other candidates, Lubiano replied, “Wala na po (None, sir).”
He clarified that the P30 million contribution was made in his personal capacity and not through his construction company. “Your honor, I personally donated to Senator Chiz. It did not come from the company, but from me as a private individual,” Lubiano said.
Escudero previously acknowledged his friendship with Lubiano and confirmed receiving campaign support from him in 2022. However, the Senate President denied any involvement in the contractor’s government projects or business dealings.
" During the joint House committee inquiry, Lubiano disclosed that two of his brothers are elected officials in Sorsogon — one a town mayor, the other a councilor. He maintained, however, that he has no government partners in his construction business.”
The Omnibus Election Code prohibits contributions for partisan political activities from individuals or companies with active government contracts, including those engaged in supplying goods, services, or construction works.
Jimmy Saberon
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