MANILA, Philippines—With the May 13 midterm elections over, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded all candidates to submit their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) not later than June 13.
Under the law, all candidates and electoral parties are required to submit their SOCE within 30 days after the elections, which means that the deadline for filing of the SOCE in the May 13 midterm elections will fall on June 13, 2019.
“SOCE filed beyond the deadline will not be accepted except for those who won the elections. Until the submission of SOCE, the winning candidates shall not assume office,” the Comelec said in a statement.
Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez. INQUIRER.net file photo / Darryl John Esguerra
“Provided, however, the winning candidate shall submit their SOCE within six months from the date of proclamation without prejudice to payment of administrative penalty for late filing,” it added.
The poll body noted that submissions via registered mail, courier or messenger services will not be accepted.
Candidates need to submit before the Comelec three hard copies of the SOCE and one electronic copy in Excel Format and in portable document format (PDF) file.
“Failure to file SOCE may result in the imposition of administrative sanctions against candidates and electoral parties,” the Comelec warned
All candidates, including those who were not elected, self-funded, and those who withdrew their candidacies within the campaign period, shall submit their SOCE.
The form can be downloaded from Comelec’s website at www.comelec.gov.ph.
As of Friday afternoon, Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez said they have yet to receive a SOCE from any of the candidates in the national level. (Editor: Jonathan P. Vicente)
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