The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has officially summoned several campaign donors linked to Senators Francis 'Chiz' Escudero and Rodante Marcoleta following complaints filed against them.

Earlier, the Comelec had conducted motu proprio investigations into the campaign donations of the two senators but dismissed the case due to insufficient evidence to charge them.

Currently, separate complaints have been lodged against Lawrence Lubiano, a donor for Escudero in the 2022 elections, and Marcoleta’s 2025 campaign donors, including Michael Tan Defensor, Joseph Varias Espiritu, and Aristotle Baluyut Viray.

Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia clarified that Escudero was not summoned again due to an ongoing Supreme Court complaint, but the poll body is proceeding with investigating the donors.

The Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) previously ruled that Escudero and Lubiano did not violate election laws on contributions from government contractors.

Meanwhile, Marcoleta’s campaign contributions were also previously reviewed and deemed compliant, as the investigation found no election offense under the repealed provisions of the Omnibus Election Code.Garcia highlighted that while candidates may be exempt under certain laws, donors are still accountable, prompting the current investigation.

The process seeks to ensure transparency in campaign funding and compliance with election regulations, ahead of possible future amendments to make the rules fairer for all parties involved.