The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has launched a tax compliance investigation into the P30 million campaign contribution received by Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero for his 2022 senatorial bid.
BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza confirmed the probe, stating that the primary focus is not the legality of the campaign funding itself, but rather the donor’s tax compliance and wealth declaration.
“He is saying that he donated P30 million. This means he has an asset of P30 million that he gave. So, we will cross-reference this with the tax returns that he filed,” Mendoza explained. The investigation aims to determine if the taxes paid by the donor are commensurate with the substantial asset used for the political contribution.
The donation in question was made by Lawrence Lubiano, President of Centerways Construction and Development Inc.
While the Commission on Elections (Comelec) had previously cleared the contribution, ruling that no violation of the Election Code occurred, the BIR is pursuing a separate inquiry focused solely on the donor’s fiscal responsibility.
The tax agency seeks to ensure that large financial movements, such as significant political donations, are fully supported by legitimate, taxed income.