Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III reminded fellow lawmakers that accepting campaign contributions from government contractors is strictly prohibited and could lead to an ethics case.
In a GMA News Online report, Sotto said candidates who received such donations should at least be asked to explain, stressing the rule is clear. “Sana ay nag-ingat… mahirap nga naman, baka hindi nila alam na may ganung kabawalan pero bawal ‘yun eh,” he said.
When asked if an ethics complaint could be pursued even without final findings from the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Sotto answered, “Oh yes.” However, he clarified that a formal case would need to be filed first—either by a senator or an ordinary citizen. “Meron talagang posibilidad diyan kasi kami namang senador, we’re open for public scrutiny… basta merong nagko-complaint sa isang senador, sinasabi namin edi mag-file ng complaint sa Ethics committee,” he added.
The issue surfaced after Comelec chairperson George Garcia confirmed that the poll body will issue a show-cause order to Centerways Construction and Development Inc. president Lawrence Lubiano over his ₱30 million donation to Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s 2022 campaign. Garcia said Lubiano would be asked to justify the contribution and explain why he should not face charges for violating Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code.
