ILOILO – All offices of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Region 6 are open today to receive the Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) of all those who ran in the recent May 13 midterm elections.
Today, June 12, is a regular non-working holiday; the country is marking the 121st anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence from Spain. Comelec, however, has decided to continue accommodating SOCE filers.
“Mayroon tayong office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.” said Comelec regional director Jose Nick Mendros.
The deadline for SOCE filing is June 13.
“Walang extension,” stressed Mendros.
Comelec Region 6 expects a surge in SOCE filers today and tomorrow as very few midterm election candidates (losers and winners) and political parties have done so right after May 13.
But complying with this requirement is more crucial for election winners. Under Comelec Resolution No. 10505 promulgated on Feb. 28, 2019, no elected candidate may be allowed to hold office until he/she has filed his/her SOCE.
As a policy, the SOCE must be filed within 30 days after the elections, as required by the Omnibus Election Code. But winning candidates have six months to comply.
Pursuant to Section 11 of the Omnibus Election Code, the office of an elected candidate who failed to file SOCE shall be considered vacant until he has complied and submitted his SOCE within six months from proclamation.
After this deadline lapses and the candidate fails to assume office, a permanent vacancy shall be declared.
First-time violators face an administrative fine of between P1,000 to P30,000 while second-time offenders, from P2,000 to P60,000. Second-time violators would also be perpetually disqualified from holding public office.
Candidates and political parties may download the SOCE form from the Comelec website <www.comelec.gov.ph> or secure one from local Comelec offices.
For late submission SOCE, the Comelec set the following administrative penalties:
* senators, party-list organizations and national political parties – P10,000
* provincial political parties – P8,500
* provincial governors and vice governors – P8,000
* Provincial Board, congressmen, local political parties, mayors, and vice mayors – P7,000
* city/municipal councilors – P6,000./PN
