Candidates told to submit SOCE

WHETHER candidates have won or lost in the recent elections, the City Commission on Elections (Comelec) over the weekend has reminded to submit their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (Soce) on or before the deadline.

City Comelec officer Ramil Acol said the deadline for the filing of SOCE is until June 12 and there will be no extension of the schedule.

He said after they receive the SOCE of the candidates, it will be forwarded to the campaign finance office of Comelec central office for verification of the

documents submitted by candidates.

Acol said candidates who fail to file their SOCE will face consequences. The poll body has the power to file cases against candidates who will not comply with the SOCE.

“It’s up to the Comelec campaign finance what to do for those who could not file their SOCE,”Acol said.

Candidates have already been informed to take note of the donations they receive and the expenses they incurred in the campaign. Filing the SOCE is a requirement for those who seek elective government positions. Winning candidates who could not submit their SOCE may not be able to assume office while losing candidates will have to pay fines.

The poll body also reminds candidates to provide necessary and supporting documents in their SOCEs so it will have legal merits.

Submitting the SOCE earlier than the deadline would make way for corrections should there be any problems with the documents and to avoid congestion in the Comelec office to beat the deadline.

After the elections last May 13, Acol said no candidate has yet to file their SOCE before the City Comelec office.