The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will conduct a new full preliminary investigation into allegations of illegal campaign contributions involving former Senate President Francis Escudero.
The move comes after lawyer and vlogger Atty. Jesus Falcis formally filed a complaint related to the alleged election law violations.
Speaking during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the poll body is required to act on the newly filed complaint.
According to Garcia, the case has already been referred to the Comelec Law Division for evaluation.
He said the division currently possesses documentary evidence that will be examined as part of the process. The evidence will be reviewed to determine whether the matter should proceed to a full preliminary investigation or be elevated to the Commission for further action.
Garcia emphasized that the filing of a formal complaint obliges the Comelec to assess the allegations and determine the appropriate legal course.
The development follows an earlier motu proprio inquiry launched by the Comelec Law Division regarding the same allegations. That previous inquiry was eventually dismissed.
However, the filing of a new complaint has prompted election officials to revisit the issue and undertake a fresh review of the evidence submitted.
The renewed investigation does not automatically establish liability or wrongdoing. Instead, it marks the start of a legal process in which election authorities will determine whether sufficient grounds exist to pursue the case further.
Comelec has yet to announce a timeline for the completion of the preliminary investigation. The poll body is expected to evaluate the submitted documents and decide on the next steps based on its findings.
The case places renewed attention on campaign finance compliance and the enforcement of election laws as authorities review the allegations raised in the complaint.
