By Myris Lee
The Commission on Elections reminded candidates and political parties who won during the 2022 national and local polls about the June 8 deadline for the filing of the statement of contributions and expenditures (SOCE).
Under Section 14 of Republic Act (RA) No. 7166, “no person elected to any public office shall enter upon the duties of his office until he has filed the statement of contributions and expenditures herein required.”
Comelec warned that violators will face penalties such as perpetual disqualification or imprisonment if proven that they stated false information and exceeding the maximum expenses required.
The same law states that those who fail to “file the statements or reports in connection with electoral contributions and expenditures” will be fined P1,000 to P30,000 “in the discretion of the commission.”
“Kapag hindi kayo nakapag-file ng inyong SOCE on time, lalong-lalo na doon sa dalawang beses nang hindi nakapag-file ng SOCE, mayroong administrative penalty ‘yan ng perpetual disqualification,” Comelec acting spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said Thursday, May 19.
Candidates who withdrew in the middle of the campaign period are also required to file a SOCE. – ag
