The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will conduct a full preliminary investigation against Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero over alleged illegal campaign contributions following the filing of a formal complaint by lawyer Jesus Falcis.
“There was also a case filed — it seems a well-known blogger also filed one — it is now with our Law Division,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia said.
According to Garcia, the poll body is obligated to act on the complaint because it includes documentary evidence that may serve as the basis for a preliminary investigation or possible elevation of the case to the Comelec en banc.
The complaint stemmed from allegations involving illegal campaign contributions during the 2022 elections allegedly linked to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte.
Garcia noted that the Comelec Law Division had previously dismissed its motu proprio inquiry into the same allegations due to the doctrine of immunity from suit, which protects sitting high-ranking officials from criminal prosecution while in office.
However, the Comelec chief clarified that the dismissal does not automatically clear the officials involved of liability.
“Immunity from suit does not mean that you are protected forever,” Garcia said.
“Of course, once your term in office ends, you may already be held liable or sued for your actions or any acts you have committed,” he added.
Meanwhile, tensions between Escudero and Falcis have escalated after the senator filed a disbarment complaint against the lawyer over alleged violations of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability.
Falcis later responded with a counter-complaint accusing Escudero of “weaponization of power” and linking him to alleged P142 billion budget insertions in the proposed 2025 national budget.
Garcia assured the public that Comelec would observe due process in handling the complaint and said the case could eventually reach the Supreme Court depending on the outcome of the investigation.
