Duterte not exempt from poll expense probe

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday clarified that all statement of contributions and expenditures (SOCE) submissions undergo a validation process.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez issued the statement in response to reports that the poll body was investigating President Duterte’s SOCE in connection with the alleged undeclared campaign contribution of Ilocos Norte Rep. Imee Marcos.

“We are validating all SOCE submissions. We are not singling out the President,” Jimenez said in a statement.

 Marcos donor

President Duterte earlier bared in a speech that Imee Marcos was one of his campaign donors.

“If someone were to file a verified complaint, then possibly we can investigate. We cannot start a particular investigation based only on the President’s statement. There should be an affidavit that the President actually said it,” Jimenez added.

Nondisclosure of donors is an election offense based on Section 106 of the Omnibus Election Code which requires candidates and treasurers of political parties to issue a receipt for every contribution, as well as keep “detailed, full and accurate records of all contributions received.”