Lacson first presidential bet to submit campaign spending report

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is the first presidential candidate to submit his statement of contributions and expenditure (SOCE) to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), according to the list released by the poll body on Friday.

The nine other presidential candidates have yet to submit their campaign spending report to the Comelec.

Senatorial candidates former police chief Guillermo Eleazar and former Sen. Antonio Trillanes have also submitted their SOCEs. 

 The following party-list groups have likewise submitted their SOCE:

• Abono
• Senior Citizens
• Bisaya Gyud
• Ang Kabuhayan 
• Ako Bisaya
• Kabalikat ng Mamamayan
• Abante
• Anakpawis
• Ang Bumbero
• Bayan Muna
• A Teacher

As for political parties, only the United Nationalist Democratic Organization (Unido) has submitted its SOCE. 

Comelec said those who fail to submit their SOCE, submit false records or exceed the campaign period spending limit will face appropriate penalties.

Around 500 candidates are facing perpetual disqualification over their non-filing of SOCE in 2016 and 2019, the Comelec earlier said.

The deadline for the filing of SOCE for the May 9, 2022 elections is on June 8.

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