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, saying the case was filed using the wrong legal remedy.

In a notice signed by Clerk of Court Marife M. Lombibao-Cuevas, the high court said that in a resolution dated 3 June 2026, it dismissed the petition for review filed by 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 23 December 2025, filed by the petitioner, for being the wrong remedy," the resolution stated.

The case stemmed from PFAD's 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, ruling that Lubiano and his 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, challenged that finding, arguing that Lubiano, as the company's majority owner and president, should not be treated as separate from the corporation for purposes of the election law prohibiting campaign contributions 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 be considered. However, in its 3 June resolution, the Court dismissed the petition on procedural grounds, holding that a petition for review was not the proper legal remedy.

The Court did not rule on the merits of Tayam's allegations regarding the legality of the campaign contribution and disposed of the case solely on procedural grounds.