THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday reminded all candidates, both winners and losers, as well as those who withdrew their candidacies in the May 9 polls, to submit their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).
In a press briefing, Elections acting spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said the deadline for the submission of SOCEs is set on June 8.
“The law requires you file a SOCE. As long as you have been considered as candidates, you are obligated to file your SOCE,” said Laudiangco.
“To the winners and losers, even those who withdrew, you are all obligated to file your SOCEs as the law does not distinguish if you push through or not in the elections, and it does not distinguish if you won or lost,” he also said.
Under Republic Act No. 7166, every candidate and political party shall, within 30 days after the day of the election, file with the Comelec the “full, true, and itemized statement of all contributions and expenditures” in connection with the elections.
Based on Comelec Resolution No. 10695, the last day for the filing of SOCEs is on June 8, 2022.
Laudiangco warned that winners in the May 9 elections who will fail to file their SOCEs cannot assume their posts until they are able to file their statements.
In addition, he said that those who will fail to submit their SOCE for the second time will be subject to perpetual disqualification to hold public office.
The poll official also warned those who have exceeded their campaign spending limits that they face possible election offense charges.
“Those that have exceeded, it is considered an election offense. It carries possible imprisonment penalties,” said Laudiangco, adding: “Don’t even attempt to manipulate the SOCEs because our Campaign Finance Office examine these receipts and other documents.”
