Comelec extends deadline of SOCE filing

FILE: ALL SET. The Commission on Elections is all set for the May 13 elections, its spokesperson, Director James Jimenez (left), says during the Broadcasters’ Forum held at Roland’s Farm to Table Restaurant along Visayas Ave., Quezon City on Wednesday (April 24, 2019). Jimenez also explained the issue of disenfranchised overseas absentee voters in the Middle East. With him is National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC) president, Rolly “Lakay” Gonzalo. (PNA photo by Ben Briones)

MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday extended by one day the election candidates’ filing of Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs) since the end of the 30-day deadline falls on a holiday.

“Under the law, all candidates and electoral parties are required to submit (their) SOCE within 30 days after the elections. However, considering that the last day of filing of SOCE is June 12, 2019, which is a holiday, SOCE can still be submitted on the following day (June 13),” Comelec spokesman James Jimenez read from a statement.

The country will celebrate Independence Day on June 12.

Jimenez said the submission of SOCEs via registered mail, courier or messenger services “shall not be accepted.”

The Comelec reminded all candidates of the recent mid-term elections to submit three copies of SOCE, which should be in Excel format.

“(The) SOCE is required to be submitted despite that: Candidate was not elected; the campaign was self-funded; no expenditures were incurred; candidate did not pursue or continue the campaign; and candidate withdrew his candidacy unless that it was withdrawn officially before the start of election campaign. (Feb. 12 for senators and March 29 for local candidates),” the statement added.

The poll body also said winning candidates may still file their SOCEs beyond the deadline, but have to pay a penalty for late filing.

“SOCE filed beyond the deadline shall not be accepted except from those who won the elections.

Until the submission of SOCE, the winning candidate shall not assume office. (Sec. 14 or Republic Act 7166). Provided however, the winning candidate shall submit SOCE within six months from the date of proclamation without prejudice to payment of administrative penalty for late filing (Sec.

13 and Sec. 16 of Comelec Resolution No. 10505),” the statement said.

“Failure to file SOCE may result (in) imposition of administrative sanctions against candidates and electoral parties,” it added.

Section 14 of RA 7166 imposes a fine ranging from PHP1,000 to PHP10,000.

The Comelec said SOCE forms can be downloaded from its website, www.

comelec.gov.ph.