4,667 bets to be fined P52M for failing to file poll finance reports in 2013

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Wednesday it would soon slap administrative fines against 4,667 candidates during the 2013 polls for failing to file their campaign finance reports.

In a statement, Comelec Chair Andres Bautista said that the 4,667 candidates, including incumbent elected officials, failed to file their Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).

The poll body, however, has yet to release the names of the erring candidates and officials.

Bautista said the administrative fines amounted to P52,300,518.

“The slapping of fines on these erring candidates shows the resolve of the Comelec to strictly enforce campaign finance laws, rules and regulations,” he said.

Section 14 of Republic Act 7166 provides that all candidates and treasurers of political parties are required to file their SOCEs.

“No person elected to any public offices shall enter upon the duties of his office until he has filed the statement of contributions and expenditures…” the law stated.

Comelec Resolution No. 9939, promulgated 6 April 2015, listed down the scale of administrative fines for candidates and parties who failed to file their SOCEs.

According to the resolution, national parties and candidates for senatorial positions will be fined P30,000 for first offense and P60,000 for second offense.

Meanwhile, candidates for House of Representatives (legislative districts), city mayors and city vice-mayors shall be fined P20,000 for first offense and P40,000 for second offense. Municipal mayors, municipal vice-mayors and municipal councilors, on the other hand, shall be fined P10,000 for first offense and P20,000 for second offense.

There were a total of 44,449 candidates who ran for the 18,054 national and local elective posts in 2013.