Senator Francis 'Chiz' Escudero is facing a renewed investigation by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) regarding alleged illegal campaign donations he received during his 2022 senatorial campaign.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia confirmed that Escudero's case is currently with the law department, where gathered documents and evidence are being reviewed, marking a shift from the previous motu proprio investigation initiated by Comelec's Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD).The renewed case was formally filed by a prominent vlogger, differentiating it from the prior internally initiated review.Previously, the PFAD cleared Escudero and contractor Lawrence Lubiano of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., which contributed P30 million to Escudero’s campaign, noting that Lubiano and the company are legally distinct entities.

Escudero acknowledged his friendship with Lubiano and admitted receiving campaign contributions from him but denied intervening in Lubiano’s business dealings.Centerways is one of 15 contractors handling a portion of the P545 billion flood control budget, securing projects worth P5.4 billion in the Bicol Region and Central Visayas, which Escudero noted represents roughly 0.998% of the total contracts awarded under President Marcos’ administration.

Additionally, the Office of the Ombudsman has required Escudero to submit a counter-affidavit as part of a preliminary investigation into his connection to the flood control project issues.The Ombudsman awaits this submission before proceeding further with the investigation.