Escudero faces fresh probe over 2025 campaign funds

National

SEN. Francis "Chiz" Escudero faces a new preliminary investigation by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) regarding alleged campaign finance violations during the 2025 polls, following an official complaint filed by a private citizen.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia confirmed during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay Forum on Wednesday, May 20, that the fresh probe arises from a complaint submitted by lawyer-vlogger Jesus Falcis, who accuses the veteran lawmaker of receiving illegal campaign contributions.

Official records show that the Comelec Law Division is currently evaluating the submitted documentary evidence. Depending on their findings, the division will either proceed with the standard preliminary investigation or elevate the case directly to the Comelec en banc in full session, a Philstar report stated.

The legal action marks a sharp shift from an earlier internal inquiry into the same allegations, which also involved President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte that was dismissed under the doctrine of immunity from suit for sitting high-ranking officials.

However, Garcia clarified that the previous dismissal was not an exoneration, noting that immunity ends when terms expire in 2028, and stressing that the legal posture changes entirely when a private party files a complaint with supporting evidence.

The poll body case adds to a bitter legal feud between the two, which includes a disbarment case filed by Escudero against Falcis over "abusive" Facebook posts calling him a liar and "rotten cheese," and a 12-page counter-complaint from Falcis accusing the senator of weaponizing power and linking him to ₱142 billion in 2025 budget insertions.(Hanna Jane A. Cabasag, CNU - Main Campus BA COMM Intern)