The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday, May 19, reminded candidates and political parties to file their statements of contributions and expenditure (SOCEs) on time, noting that the deadline is on June 8.
Comelec Acting Spokesperson John Rex C. Laudiangco said candidates and political parties who fail to file their SOCEs on time before the poll body will face administrative penalties.
“Mag-file ng SOCE on time, lalo na dun sa two times na hindi nakapag-file, may admin penalty ‘yan na perpetual disqualification under RA (Republic Act) 7166 (File SOCE on time, especially to those who did not file their SOCEs for two consecutive times, that has an administrative penalty of perpetual disqualification under RA 7166),” he said during a media briefing.
Laudiangco also warned them not to tamper with their SOCEs as such will be thoroughly scrutinized by the Comelec, noting that they can be sued for perjury should they lie in their SOCEs.
“’Wag nyo balakin doktorin or dayain kasi ine-examine ‘yan ng aming Campaign Finance Office ang mga resibo na pinaggastusan (Don’t dare to tamper with it because our Campaign Finance Officer examines all the expenses receipts),” he said.
“‘Yung mga resibo sa ads (advertisements) ay sinasubmit din sa amin. Kaya we are able to verify ‘yung SOCE nyo at actual expenditures ninyo (The receipts of advertisements are also being submitted to us. That’s why we are able to verify your SOCE and your actual expenditures),” the spokesperson added.
According to him, even candidates who have withdrawn their candidacy “inside the campaign period” are required to file their SOCEs as they are still considered candidates under the law.
“The law now requires you file a SOCE,” he added.