The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking to overturn a Commission on Elections (Comelec) ruling that cleared Sen. Francis Escudero over a P30-million campaign contribution from a government contractor, ruling that the case was filed under the wrong legal remedy.
In a notice signed by Clerk of Court Marife M. Lombibao-Cuevas, the High Court's En Banc said that in a resolution dated June 3, 2026, it dismissed the petition for review filed by petitioner John Barry Tayam against Escudero and the Comelec's Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD).
"The Court resolved to DISMISS the Petition for Review dated December 23, 2025, filed by the petitioner, for being the wrong remedy," the resolution read.
The petition stemmed from PFAD's earlier decision to terminate its investigation into Escudero and businessman Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., over a P30-million donation made during Escudero's 2022 senatorial campaign.
PFAD found no violation of the Omnibus Election Code, holding that Lubiano and his construction company are separate legal entities and that the donation was made by Lubiano in his personal capacity rather than by the corporation.
Tayam, a teacher from Las Piñas City, questioned that conclusion, arguing that Lubiano, as the company's majority owner and president, should not be treated as entirely separate from the corporation for purposes of the election law prohibition on campaign donations from government contractors.
Earlier this year, the Supreme Court granted Tayam's motion for leave to file and admit the petition for review, allowing the case to proceed for consideration. However, in its June 3 resolution, the Court dismissed the petition on procedural grounds, holding that a petition for review was not the proper legal remedy.
The High Court did not rule on the merits of Tayam's allegations regarding the legality of the campaign contribution, disposing of the case solely on the procedural issue.
