Former Sorsogon Governor and Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is facing multiple criminal and administrative complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman over the alleged anomalous use of provincial funds amounting to ₱352.7 million during his term as governor.

RH Val Gonzales reports that, according to a complaint filed by lawyer Eldrige Marvin Aceron, the charges stem from questionable transactions flagged in the Commission on Audit’s (COA) 2021 Annual Audit Report on the provincial government of Sorsogon.

Aceron said the report formed the basis of the alleged irregularities, which involve infrastructure projects, unutilized calamity assistance, and contracts supported by falsified documents.

Aceron alleged that eight transactions outlined by COA raised red flags, including more than ₱125 million worth of infrastructure projects awarded to a single contractor who reportedly used the same personnel and equipment across multiple projects.

Also highlighted in the complaint was ₱15.5 million in national government funds—including ₱10 million intended for typhoon victims—that reportedly remained undistributed for six years.

The lawyer further cited janitorial and laundry service contracts worth ₱8 million that were allegedly backed by fake documents and notarizations.

Aside from Escudero, the complaint also named several Sorsogon provincial officials, including members of the Bids and Awards Committee, Acting Provincial Accountant Rena Garcia, Provincial General Services Officer Chief Rosalina (surname being clarified), the provincial treasurer (name yet to be determined), and other involved personnel.

The complaint includes possible violations of:

• Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act)

• Article 220 (Technical Malversation)

• Article 213 (Frauds Against the Public Treasury)

• Article 171 (Falsification of Public Documents) of the Revised Penal Code

Aceron stressed that his action was purely motivated by public interest and not influenced by any personal or political ties.

“I don’t know him personally. I’ve never met him. Wala eh, siya ang senador na maraming anomalya eh. Edi kasuhan natin. I don’t care who he is,” he said.