MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) issued a warning to candidates – winners and non-winners – in the recent midterm elections against submitting inaccurate Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs).
In an interview on Wednesday, Comelec chairperson George Garcia emphasized that filing incorrect SOCEs could result in legal charges.
“If you file SOCEs with discrepancy and are untruthful, you can face charges of falsification and perjury. Those are violations of the law,” Garcia said.
Under Republic Act No. 7166, all candidates and political parties are required to submit their “complete, accurate, and detailed” SOCEs within 30 days after election day.
Noncompliance with this requirement may lead to administrative penalties for the candidates and political parties involved.
Additionally, repeat offenders may face permanent disqualification from holding public office, as stipulated by the law.
This year, the deadline for SOCE submission is set for June 11, and Comelec has confirmed that there will be no extension.
“We are reminding all candidates, winners or losers, that you are all mandated to file your SOCEs,” Garcia said./PN
