Chel Diokno Exposes ₱30-Million Campaign Donation from Sorsogon Contractor to Chiz Escudero

Manila, Philippines — What was supposed to be a routine hearing on government flood control projects turned into a dramatic revelation yesterday after Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno extracted a damaging admission from Sorsogon’s top flood control contractor, Lawrence Lubiano—longtime ally of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero.

Diokno, a veteran lawyer and human rights defender, displayed his trademark calm and methodical questioning during the House inquiry. Without resorting to theatrics or intimidation, the legislator carefully led Lubiano through a series of questions about his business dealings and political connections before going straight to the core issue: political contributions.

When asked if he had donated to any candidate in the past two election cycles (2022 and 2025), Lubiano openly admitted that he had made contributions—specifically to Senator Escudero. Pressed further, he disclosed that the amount totaled ₱30 million.

The exchange was straightforward but potentially explosive:

• Diokno: “In the last two cycles of elections, kayo po ba ay nagbigay ng donasyon sa sinuman na kumandidato whether local or national?”

• Lubiano: “Yes po, your honor.”

• Diokno: “Kanino po yon?”

• Lubiano: “Kay Senator Chiz po.”

• Diokno: “And more or less magkano po daw ang inyong na-donate sa kampanya ni Senator Chiz?”

• Lubiano: “30 million po, your honor.”

Lubiano tried to clarify that his donation was a “personal” contribution and not connected to his role as a contractor. However, Diokno had already secured the key admission: Lubiano has held government contracts since 2009, meaning that the donation could fall squarely within the prohibition set by law.

Under Article XI, Section 95(c) of the Omnibus Election Code, contractors and suppliers with active government contracts are barred from making campaign contributions. If proven, Escudero could face disqualification from office for accepting such a donation.

The revelation underscores the importance of rigorous but fair questioning in legislative investigations. For observers, the moment highlighted a stark contrast to the usual spectacle of grandstanding in congressional hearings.

“Kids, this is how hearings should be conducted,” one political analyst remarked. “Let the professionals with integrity ask the right questions, and the truth will surface without the circus.”

For now, Escudero has yet to issue a statement regarding the ₱30-million contribution. But the admission, made under oath, has set the stage for possible legal action—placing both the contractor and the senator under intense scrutiny.