ILOILO City – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) here reminded all candidates in the recent May 9 elections to file their Sworn Statements of Election Contributions (SOCE) or their expenses during the polls.
According to Comelec-Iloilo City Assistant Election Officer Jonathan Sayno, as provided under the Omnibus Election Code, win or lose all candidates are obliged to file their SOCE.
Sayno said candidates have 30 days from the polls to file their SOCE — or until June 8.
There were a total of 37 candidates who ran for various posts (congressman, mayor, vice mayor, city councilor) here.
So far, none of the defeated or winning candidates have filed their SOCE yet.
Canddates who fail to submit before the deadline may be meted charges or penalties. One may also be perpetually disqualified from holding public office.
Pursuant to Section 11 of the Omnibus Election Code, the office of an elected candidate who fails to file SOCE shall be considered vacant until he submits his SOCE within six months from proclamation.
After this deadline lapses and the candidate fails to assume office, a permanent vacancy shall be declared./PN
