BY ALEX ALAGON
The electoral watchdog Commission on Elections’ Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) has dropped its investigation into the alleged illegal campaign donation of ₱30 million to Senator Francis Escudero by a construction-contractor, finding no breach of election law.
The contractor at the center of the controversy, Centerways Construction and Development Inc. — led by its president, Lawrence Lubiano — was accused of making a prohibited contribution, because under Section 95(c) of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), companies holding government contracts or subcontracts are barred from donating to electoral campaigns.
In a nine-page resolution, PFAD concluded that Lubiano and Centerways are legally distinct entities. The mere fact that Lubiano serves as Centerways’ president is insufficient, in the absence of evidence showing fraud, bad faith, or an attempt to evade legal obligations, to treat the company and Lubiano as one.
Because PFAD found “no evidence to support a complaint that Section 95(c) of the OEC was violated,” the investigation was terminated and Escudero’s acceptance of the donation was deemed legally permissible.
While Lubiano admitted that he personally contributed ₱30 million to Escudero’s 2022 senatorial campaign, he maintained that the funds came from his personal account — not from Centerways. That distinction was central to PFAD’s decision.
Under the OEC, contractors (or firms engaged in government works) are prohibited from making campaign donations.
However, PFAD upheld the legal doctrine of separate juridical personality — meaning a juridical person (the corporation) and a natural person (Lubiano) are different, unless there is strong evidence to prove they are effectively “aliases” of one another.
Because PFAD found no proof that Lubiano used the company as a conduit for the donation, and because the contribution was declared and is purportedly personal, the donation to Escudero is considered lawful.
In September 2025, Lubiano admitted giving the ₱30 million donation to Escudero — but insisted it came from his own pocket and not from Centerways.
In early October, PFAD had issued a show-cause order against Escudero and Lubiano, calling on them to explain the donation under the OEC.
Escudero submitted a manifestation, arguing the donation was legal, properly declared, and complied with existing rules.
Now, with PFAD’s resolution, that complaint has been formally closed.
THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry XI (DTI) will launch the first “Madayaw! The Davao Region Trade Fair” to showcase the best local products at Shangri-La Plaza mall from Dec. 4 to 7.
DTI XI Business Development and Promotions chief Arriel Nengasca said 27 local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will exhibit high quality commodities of cacao, coffee, coconut along with non-food products of textiles and handicrafts.
He said they hope to target P5 million in sales for the four-day event and also bring in foreign and institutional buyers.
Nengasca added the trade fair aims to expand the local markets to Manila as well as targeting the export market.
The event is planned to be held annually to organize larger venues and to promote more products from Davao Region in the future.
Madayaw! The Davao Region Trade Fair will include activities namely an opening ceremony to be attended by officials from DTI and the City Government of Davao, a fashion show, chocolate demonstrations, and many others.
THE CITY aims to order 150 high definition CCTVs equipped with AI facial recognition software to reinforce border control and crime prevention.
This, after the 21st City Council approved on Tuesday the AI-Powered Border and Public Safety Surveillance Ordinance of Davao City.
During the Pulong Pulong sa Dabawenyos, proponent Councilor Bonz Andre Militar said the measure will modernize border surveillance through the installation and integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) facial recognition systems at strategic locations including seaports, airports, land terminals, shorelines, and other identified entry and exit points.
The AI surveillance system will have features such as automated flagging of matches against watchlists from law enforcement databases, real-time alerts transmitted to the PSSO to be integrated to the existing border control systems.
It will also have a secure storage and audit-tracking of all recognition logs and matches.
The AI facial recognition system is designed to interface with national law enforcement databases to detect and alert authorities about individuals flagged for arrest or surveillance which aids to crime prevention.
In terms of database, the City will enter into data-sharing agreements with the Davao City Police Office, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Task Force Davao, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation Region XI, Bureau of Immigration Region XI, Philippine Coast Guard-Davao Station, Bureau of Customs Region XI, Philippine Ports Authority Region XI, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region XI, and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Region XI, and other concerned agencies for real-time access to updated watchlist and criminal databases.
Militar said the system proposed has a high accuracy level so that only those in the database are the ones to be detected.
“There will be a series of verification but we will make sure that the AI facial recognition is very accurate,” he said.
The ordinance will cover the government buildings such as the City Hall, Sangguniang Panlungsod and Hall of Justice.
It also includes parks such as People’s Park, Magsaysay Park, parks within coastal area; air transport terminals such as Davao International Airport; and Old Sasa Airport; water or port transport terminals such as Sasa Mini Pier (Km. 11); Davao Fishport Complex (Toril Fish Port); Sta. Ana Wharf; Philippine Ports Authority; DAVSAM Wharf; and MaeWess Wharf.
For land transport terminals, the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT); bus stops identified by the Davao Bus System and private van terminals.
Also, it includes existing control checkpoints in Lasang, Sirawan and Lacson and 5 sub border control points in Eden, Malagos; Dacudao; Bunawan; and Mahayag.
Other convergence areas such as public markets, night markets, and other public access points as may be identified by the Public Safety and Security Office are also covered.
PSSO will serve as the lead implementing agency and will oversee the enforcement and monitoring.
Militar said to protect data privacy, the biometric data and facial scans will only be retained for periods necessary for processing and investigation and will be securely deleted after.
The measure entails corresponding penalties to violation with a fine of up to P5,000 and/or imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or both.
The prohibited acts include intentional obstruction, disabling, damaging, tampering with, or interfering with any AI facial recognition device, monitoring equipment, or data transmission system; unauthorized access or data breach; possession of any unauthorized, leaked, or misused, or illegally accessed surveillance data; unauthorized entry or exit such that any person evading or violating lawful security protocols at designated entry and exit points, including refusal to undergo scanning, use of falsified identities, or obstruction of inspection procedures.
Militar said several firms have expressed intent, including local suppliers and foreign providers but the city government will still undergo a public bidding process to select the supplier of the technology.
Photo courtesy of Konsehal Bonz Militar FB page
THERE are no ongoing talks on whoever takes the vacant seat in the city council once Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II assumes vice mayoral post, a city councilor said.
“So far, there’s no talk about that,” Councilor Alberto Ungab, committee chair on appointments and reorganization, said during the Pulong Pulong sa Dabawenyos on Tuesday.
“We all know that those particular recommendations will come from the city mayor, so far there are no consultations,” Ungab added.
He added the members of the city council will wait for instructions from City Hall if the need for consultation arises.
When asked about Veronica “Kitty” Duterte possibly taking Rigo’s seat, he said they did not discuss that scenario yet. In case Rigo takes oath as vice mayor, there is a designated time to appoint the replacement.
Given that Rigo comes from the first district, he said, the replacement should also come from the first district.
In an earlier interview, acting Vice Mayor Rigo Duterte confirmed that he would officially assume the vice mayoral post before December, as his grandfather, former President Rodrigo Duterte, failed to take his oath as the duly elected mayor of Davao City.
The lawmaker’s uncle, Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte, who is the acting mayor will be the city’s chief executive.
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) has thrown its full support behind the proposed AI facial recognition ordinance approved by the City Council, citing it as a “game-changer” for citywide security.
Col Mannan C. Muarip, acting DCPO director, confirmed this during an interview with the media on Wednesday morning following an operation in Talomo District.
The ordinance is expected to significantly elevate Davao City’s security landscape by integrating advanced facial recognition technology into law enforcement operations.
Muarip anticipates the implementation of the ordinance early next year.
“The AI facial recognition ordinance will be a game-changer in safeguarding Davao City,” Muarip stated. “With modern technology, we can detect threats faster, respond more effectively, and provide Davaoeños with a safer and more secure environment.”
He said the technology has the potential to boost crime prevention efforts, strengthen border control operations, and improve the city’s overall security posture.
VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte pledged a P1 million bounty for anyone who can identify the killers of Tres de Mayo, Digos City Barangay Captain Oscar “Dodong” Bucol Jr. who was gunned down during a Facebook Live.
This was revealed by lawyer Israelito Torreon, the legal counsel of the family of the victim who was shot dead around 9 p.m. on Nov. 25.
Following the shooting, the Digos City Police Station (CPS) immediately dispatched personnel to the scene and initiated a provincial dragnet operation to try to catch the killers.
Leads identified
In light of the victim’s status as an elected public official, the DSPPO promptly requested that the Police Regional Office XI (PRO XI) to create a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG).
Initial assessments have already identified possible persons of interest.
The individuals were reportedly based on names previously mentioned by the victim in his own social media posts.
“Investigators and intelligence operatives are actively following all leads and are currently gathering all available CCTV footage in the vicinity to aid in identifying and ultimately apprehending the perpetrator/s,” the DSPPO said in a statement.
The police assured the family that every effort is being exerted to ensure that justice is served.
- DCPO dismantles major drug operation; arrests top city-level priority target
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) caught the top city-level priority drug target in Talomo District in Purok 10-A, Barangay Matina Pangi, on Wednesday morning, Nov. 26, 2025.
The suspect, identified only as alias Janjan, was arrested in the operation spearheaded by the Special Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) of Police Station 3 (Talomo), led by Major Genesis Oriel.
They confiscated eight jumbo heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance suspected to be Shabu (Methamphetamine hydrochloride) from the suspect.
The seized illegal drugs carried an estimated standard drug price of P9,010,000.
Meanwhile, acting city director Col. Mannan C. Muarip said, “This operation is a clear demonstration of the DCPO’s unwavering commitment to dismantle illegal drug networks and protect our communities.”
“Guided by the D.A.V.A.O. framework, we will continue to pursue high-value drug personalities and ensure that Davaoeños live in a safe and drug-free environment,” he added.
The D.A.V.A.O. framework refers to Discipline, Action, Virtue, Accountability, and Order.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and supportive of the police campaign considering that the fight against illegal drugs requires community support.
SENATOR Francis “Chiz” Escudero commended on Tuesday President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for pursuing evidence-based investigations into the flood control budget irregularities that have led to the filing of corruption and malversation cases, stressing the importance of accountability and cautioning against diversions that only protect the guilty and harm the innocent.
During the Senate plenary deliberations on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget, Escudero said the administration, as stated by Secretary Vince Dizon, has indeed chosen to follow the evidence wherever it leads, even when politically sensitive.
“Binabati ko po ang administrasyon dahil hindi sila sumunod at nagpadala sa anumang script o sarswela para ilihis ang mga tunay na salarin tulad ng sinabi ko nung ako ay huling tumayo at nagsalita dito sa Senado,” he said. “Ayon mismo kay Secretary Dizon, ang sinusundan lamang nila, base sa kautusan ng Pangulong Marcos, ay kung saan sila dinala ng ebidensya.”
The Ombudsman has already filed corruption and malversation charges before the Sandiganbayan against former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, former DPWH Undersecretary Wilfredo Bernardo, former DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineer Henry Alcantara, former DPWH Bulacan 1st District Assistant Engineer Brice Hernandez, and directors of Sunwest Corporation in connection with flood control project anomalies.
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure, which has been tasked by the President to lead the investigations, has turned over documents to the Office of the Ombudsman in relation to the role of former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez in the anomalies to determine possible administrative or criminal accountability under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards, and other applicable laws.
The Bicolano senator praised the administration for its determination to uphold justice, even when investigations touch close to home. He noted that the President’s directive to “follow the evidence” has ensured that accountability is pursued consistently and without diversion.
“Alam kong hindi naging madali ang desisyong ito para kay Pangulong Marcos nang malaman niya na posibleng sangkot ang kaniyang pinsan. Kaya, binabati ko ang kaniyang sigasig na panagutin ang mga tunay at dapat managot, at ang pagtutol niya sa anumang dibersyon dahil marami nang mga inosenteng tao ang nadamay sa tangkang paglilihis na ito,” he stressed.
Escudero reminded the public that while anger against corruption is justified, judgment must be based on facts and evidence, and not on speculation or intrigue.
“Dapat lang tayong magalit sa korupsyon at anumang uri ng pag-abuso sa kapangyarihan. Subalit, huwag tayo maging padalos-dalos sa paghusga. Maging mapanuri din tayo sa mga mema na nais lamang magpunla ng pagkakawatak-watak natin di lamang dito sa Senado kundi sa buong bansa,” he concluded.
THE BYD Shark 6 DMO is here to revolutionize the road, the trail, and the city.
It’s not just a pickup; it’s a high-tech companion designed for the versatile driver.
This electrified pickup truck masterfully blends comfort with unstoppable off-road performance.
Here’s how the BYD Shark 6 DMO conquers your daily drive:
✅ Tech for Traffic: The 12.8″ Rotating Touchscreen turns stressful drives into more entertaining ones.
✅ High-Wading Depth: Confidently tackle floods with up to 700mm wading depth.
✅ All-Terrain Pro: Multi-terrain Mode Optimization allows you to seamlessly navigate through city streets and off-road paths.
✅ Effortless Parking: The 360-degree view camera with see-through mode makes maneuvering through tight spots easy and blind spots a thing of the past.
✅ Incredible Range: Get up to 800 km total combined range.Ready to experience a pickup that does it all?👉
Watch the full video to see the BYD Shark 6 DMO in action!
#BYDShark #BYDShark6DMO #GameChanger #PickupTruck #PHEV #OffRoad #CityDriving #DavaoLife #TechDriven #ElectricFuture #BYDPhilippines #AllTerrain #AdventureReady #SmartDrive #EcoFriendlyDrive
