Four senior Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers have appeared before a Lower House ethics panel in light of a simmering political money scandal.

Dozens of lawmakers from factions in the main ruling party are accused of failing to properly declare revenue from fundraisers and receiving kickbacks for exceeding sales quotas.

Most belonged to the LDP's largest faction, which was once led by late Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.

The four lawmakers who appeared before the council on Friday have all served as the faction's secretary-general.

All denied any involvement in the handling of fundraiser money.

They include former education minister Shionoya Ryu, who said the accounting practice likely started over two decades ago but he doesn't exactly know how.

He said the faction decided to stop giving kickbacks in 2022 under the instruction of Abe but the practice still continued.

Shionoya said, "I understand that after former Prime Minister Abe tragically passed away, many members still wanted to get kickbacks. So, the faction continued the practice based on their requests without any recognition it wasn't legal."

Opposition lawmakers pressed the four members on whether Abe was aware that the funds were not being properly declared in official reports.

Shionoya said he doesn't believe anyone heard about funds not being reported.

Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu stressed that his duties as secretary-general did not include fund management.

He told the council he does not deserve to be held responsible for being unable to properly supervise.