Poll bets told to file contribution, spending report

MANILA, Philippines – Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson James Jimenez on Wednesday reminded all candidates in the recently-concluded midterm elections to submit their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (Soce) or face stiff sanctions.

“Yung ating mga kandidato pinapa-alalahanan natin,  nanalo o natalo, na kailangan silang magsubmit ng kanilang statement of contributions and expenditures (All candidates, winners and losers, are reminded to file their Soce) within 30 days from the end of elections,” Jimenez said.

“Failing to do so, for local government officials will have problems assuming office. Isa-submit natin yan sa DILG para magkaroon tayo ng consequences. Otherwise, what the law says is that they will be unable to assume their elective positions,” he added.

According to Resolution No. 10505, the Comelec said, that “no elected candidate shall enter upon the duties of office until he filed his SOCE.”

Section 11 of the OEC states that “the office of any official elected who fails or refuses to take his oath of office within six months from his proclamation shall be considered vacant.” (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)