The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said majority of national candidates in the May 2022 National and Local Elections beat the June 8 deadline for the filing of the Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).
In a statement on Thursday, June 9, the poll body said the deadline is final and non-extendible, except for winning candidates and party list groups, as per the omnibus rules governing campaign finance and disclosure.
"Winning candidates are given a grace period of six months from proclamation to file their SOCE. Until such time that they have complied, they are barred from assuming office," Dir. James Jimenez said.
"If their political party likewise fails to comply, the same prohibition applies," he added.
The Comelec said candidates who fail to file their SOCE will be held administratively liable and pay a fine, and this applies to both winning and losing candidates who miss the deadline.
"In case of a second or subsequent failure to submit SOCE, a higher fine will be imposed to the candidate or party, as well as perpetual disqualification to hold public office," Jimenez said.
Comelec said candidates for President and Vice President have a maximum spending limit of P10.00 per voter. Other candidates may spend only up to P3.00 per voter, but if they are running as an independent or without the support of a political party then may spend up to P5.00 per voter. Political parties and party list groups can also spend up to P5.00 per voter.
There were 65,831,806 registered local voters and 1,697,202 overseas voters in the 2022 National and Local Elections.
The poll body said this translates to a spending cap of 675,290,080.00 for national candidates, 197,495,418 for other candidates with a political party, or 74,320,316 for independent candidates and political parties and party list groups.