Flood Control Probe Unearths ₱30-M Donation to Escudero

Former Senate President Chiz Escudero and the alleged contractor of ghost projects, Lawrence Lubiano.

Flood Control Probe Unearths ₱30-M Donation to Escudero

By Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNationWeek.Com | September 8, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – A congressional investigation into alleged flood control “ghost projects” within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has taken a sharp turn as a Sorsogon contractor confessed to making an illegal ₱30 million campaign donation to Senate President Chiz Escudero.

The admission, elicited by Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno during a House hearing, has ignited a political firestorm that could potentially lead to Escudero’s disqualification from office.

Lawrence Lubiano, a prominent contractor in Sorsogon and reportedly a close associate of the senator, found himself under scrutiny regarding his company’s involvement in questionable DPWH flood control projects.

It was Diokno’s strategic questioning that unearthed the contractor’s damaging admission.

Known for his calm and methodical approach, the human rights lawyer eschewed aggressive questioning tactics, gently guiding Lubiano through his business connections and financial dealings.

The approach ultimately led to the contractor’s donation revelation.

During the hearing, Diokno asked: “In the last two election cycles, 2022 and 2025, did you donate to any candidates, whether local or national?”

Lubiano replied, “Yes, your honor.”

Diokno: “To whom?”  

Lubiano: “To Senator Chiz.”

Diokno: “Aside from Senator Chiz Escudero, have there been other candidates for either local or national positions that you gave donations to?”

Lubiano: “No, your honor.”

Diokno: “And more or less, how much did you donate to Senator Chiz’s campaign?”

Lubiano: “₱30 million, your honor.”

Diokno: “₱30 million. This was at a time when you already had government projects, is that right?”

Lubiano: “Yes, since 2009, your honor.”

The revelation casts a dark shadow over Escudero, potentially violating Article XI Section 95(c) of the Omnibus Election Code, which explicitly prohibits campaign contributions from individuals or entities holding government contracts.

A conviction could result in Escudero’s disqualification from holding public office.

While Lubiano attempted to downplay the donation, claiming it was a personal contribution unrelated to his contracting work, legal experts suggest the admission is highly damaging.

The confession underscores the potential for corruption within government contracts and highlights the need for stringent oversight.

The ease with which Diokno extracted the confession has been hailed as a victory for ethical legal questioning and a testament to the importance of holding public officials accountable.

“This case underscores the critical need for transparency and integrity in government,” Diokno declared after the hearing.

“We must ensure that those who abuse their power for personal gain are brought to justice,” he said.