Comelec reminds all bets in barangay, SK polls to file SOCE

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday reminded all candidates in the recent barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls to submit their Statement of Contributions and Expenses (SOCE).

The deadline for the filing of SOCE is June 13.

"Ang mga kandidato kasing nakatanggap ng SOCE ay makakatanggap ng Certificate of Compliance, itong Certificate of Compliance ay kailangang isubmit sa DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) kapag nag-assume na sila ng kanilang puwesto," Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said in a phone interview on GMA News TV's Balitanghali.

"Ibig sabihin, kung di nakapagsubmit ng SOCE, di po sila mabibigyan ng Certificate of Compliance at kung walang Certificate of Compliance, hindi nila mauupo 'yung sarili nila sa puwesto. Hindi sila makakaassume ng office. Sayang naman 'yung pinanalo nila kung ito at the very last step, hindi pa nila gawin," Jimenez added.

Jimenez said even those who lost in the elections are required to file SOCE as failure to submit the SOCE may disqualify them from running again for office.

"Ang violation ng SOCE, parang cumulative 'yan. Kapag di ka nagsubmit ngayong eleksyon, pag tumakbo ka sa susunod parang may strike one ka na niyan. May potential na ma-disqualify ka from holding office so kailangan, manalo matalo magsubmit ng SOCE," Jimenez said.

The SOCE is a full and detailed report about the campaign contributions and expenditures of political candidates. Failure to submit a SOCE is considered as an administrative offense. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News