Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero expressed gratitude following the Commission on Election’s (COMELEC) Wednesday ruling which cleared him of the alleged Omnibus Election Code (OEC) violation in connection to his acceptance of a ₱30-million campaign donation from Lawrence Lubiano, President of Centerways Construction and Development.

The former senate president boasted that since running for public office in 1998, he has always adhered to the election laws. He believes that respecting the law builds the foundation for public trust, reported RH 28 Raymund Dadpaas.

In the COMELEC Political Finance and Affairs Department’s (PFAD) decision, Lubiano’s contribution does not violate the OEC—proving Escudero’s commitment to transparency, honesty, obedience to the law, and affirming that truth prevails through due process, Dadpaas said.

Earlier, the COMELEC ruled that there was no evidence Lubiano’s contribution came from corporate funds and is thus not a violation of Section 95 of the OEC, which prohibits government contractors from donating to candidates’ campaign efforts.