Comelec firm on June 11 deadline for SOCE filing

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Garcia. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

By Ferdinand Patinio, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is firm on not extending the June 11 deadline for the filing of Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs) of candidates in the May 12 midterm elections.

“There is no extension. We do not plan to give an extension to anyone who asks. That is the deadline, June 11,” Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said in an interview on Tuesday.

Garcia pointed out that the deadline for SOCE filing was announced “a long time ago.”

“Therefore, you have to face the consequences of non-filing of SOCE,” he warned.

The submission of SOCE is accepted during weekdays and Saturdays, including holidays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Comelec — Political Finance and Affairs Department in Intramuros, Manila.

All SOCEs shall be filed in the prescribed number of hard copies accompanied by a soft/electronic copy (PDF and Excel format).

Filing SOCEs via registered mail, electronic mail, courier, or messenger services is not allowed and accepted, according to the Comelec.

The Comelec warned any candidate who failed to submit SOCE would not be allowed to assume the post and may also face an administrative case.

On the other hand, candidates who have complied will be issued a Certificate of Formal Compliance, which they must submit upon assumption of office.