Comelec launches online filing of SOCEs

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday launched a digital platform allowing for the online filing of local and national candidates’ statements of contributions and expenditures (SOCEs). 

According to Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia, Project SURI is a web application that would allow for the digitalization of the submission of SOCEs. 

The project was funded by the Japanese government through a grant worth ¥234 million, or over P91 million, and will be part of the preparations for the Bangsamoro elections.

“Sana nga, sa mga susunod na eleksyon natin, gamitin na ito ng mga kandidato. Syempre may option sila whether to submit dito or hard copies pa rin. Kaya lang kung dito, napakaganda ng recording,” said Garcia. 

(We hope that in the elections to come, candidates will use Project SURI to submit SOCEs.)

“Once na nagamit mo yan, recorded na agad, submitted na agad. Hindi na kailangan pumunta sa Manila or sa main office para magsubmit o sa local Comelec office. Sa mga bahay lang natin, pwede na nating gawin ang submission,” he added. 

(Through the application, they can submit SOCEs even at their homes and without going to Comelec offices.)

Under Section 14 of Republic Act (RA) 7166 or the Synchronized Elections Act, every candidate or treasurer of a political party shall file in duplicate with the offices of the Comelec the “full, true and itemized statement of all contributions and expenditures in connection with the election” within 30 days after the elections. 

Candidates who will not file SOCEs will be charged with an administrative offense and will be liable to pay a fine ranging from P1,000 to P30,000.00 at the discretion of the poll body, with the exception of aspirants at the barangay level. For winning bets or political parties, failure to comply may also withhold their assumption of office.

Section 13 of RA 7166 provides the limitation of authorized expenses of candidates and political parties. It states that candidates vying for the presidency and vice-presidency shall spend P10 for every voter currently registered in the constituency where they filed their certificate of candidacy.  Aspirants with political parties will be allowed to spend P3 for every voter while independent candidates will be allowed up to P5. 

Political parties, for their part, are allowed up to P5 for every voter currently registered in the constituency or constituencies where it has official candidates.

“Gagawin natin yan di lang as Bangsamoro pero all elections to come. Ito na ang ating magiging standard — iinstitutionalize na natin ang online submission bagamat may mags-submit pa rin ng personal,” said Garcia. 

(We will implement this not only for the BARMM polls but other elections. We will institutionalize the online submission of SOCEs.) —LDF, GMA Integrated News