ANTIQUE – Five candidates who ran for various positions in the May 12 midterm elections in this province will face fines for failing to submit their Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE), according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) here.
Comelec-Antique Election Supervisor Wil Arceño confirmed on June 17 that the following candidates missed the June 11 deadline for SOCE submission: gubernatorial candidate Rodelo Pidoy and Provincial Board member candidates Romeo Genovata Jr., Perigrino Reponte Jr., Martin Galin, and Archibald Dax Pacificador.
Arceño said the Comelec is currently verifying whether any of the five have failed to file SOCEs in previous elections, which could result in higher penalties or even disqualification.
He added that the Comelec Political Finance and Affairs Department will issue official notices to the concerned candidates once we complete the evaluation.
Under Comelec rules, candidates who fail to file their SOCE for the first time will be fined depending on the position they sought: P30,000 for congressional representatives, P25,000 for governor and vice governor, P20,000 for provincial board members, and P10,000 for mayors, vice mayors, and municipal councilors.
Candidates who commit the violation for the second time face stiffer consequences, including disqualification from holding any elective or appointive public office, and double the fine for the first offense.
The SOCE is a mandatory requirement under election law that ensures transparency and accountability in campaign financing. (PNA)
