The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has issued a show cause order against Centerways Construction and Development Inc. President Lawrence Lubiano on Thursday, stemming from his ₱30 million donation to former Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero during his candidacy.

“‘Yun pong show cause (order), at the same time, ‘yung pag-iimbita sa kanya na um-appear sa isang meeting o pagdinig,” COMELEC Chair George Garcia told reporters.

“Dahil sa kanyang admisyon na siya ay nagbigay ng ₱30 milyon sa isang kandidato ay ating minarapat na i-afford siya ng due process, ipaliwanag ang kanyang sarili, at ipaliwanag kung bakit hindi siya dapat kasuhan sa law department ng komisyon ng isang election offense for violation of Section 95(c) ng Omnibus Election Code,” he added.

The provision Garcia is referring to prohibits contributions to partisan political activity, such as election efforts, from individuals who “contracts or sub-contracts to supply the government … with goods or services or to perform construction or other works.”

Earlier, Escudero confirmed that he had received a donation of ₱30 million during his 2022 Senate campaign but denied that he facilitated their acquisition of major flood control projects.

Moreover, Lubiano explained in a hearing that he contributed to Escudero’s campaign personally and did not use his company’s funds.

Centerways Construction and Development Inc. is among the 15 contractors to corner ₱100 billion worth of flood control projects from 2022 to 2025. According to a report, the firm alone secured 85 projects—equivalent to ₱5.4 billion.