TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Provincial Office led by Attorney Patrick Enaje reminds all candidates, whether re-elected or lost in the May 9 polls, to submit their respective “Statements of Contributions and Expenditures” (SOCE) on or before June 8, 2022.

Atty. Enaje said in an interview with People’s Tonight Cavite correspondent, that winners in the recent polls including the governor, vice governor, congressman of eight districts, and board members must submit their SOCE here in Provincial Office, while the mayors, vice mayors, and councilors in seven cities and 16 municipalities are in their respective localities.

Candidates who did not submit their SOCEs are barred from assuming their posts until they file their statements.

“Our office submitted notices twice to each candidate to remind them of the deadline of submission of SOCE, in addition to the reminder to the candidates on the day they filed the candidacy,” Atty. Enaje said.

According to Enaje, the law requires all candidates to file a SOCE. As long as an individual has been considered as a candidate, they are obligated to file their SOCE.

Candidates who withdrew their candidacies and political parties are also required to submit their expenses and contributions received during the campaign period.

He added that those who will fail to submit their SOCE for the second time would be subject to perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

Atty. Enaje warned candidates who have exceeded their campaign spending limit to face possible election offense charges.

Under Republic Act No. 7166, every candidate and political party shall, within 30 days after the day of the election, file with the Comelec the “full, true, and itemized statement of all contributions and expenditures” in connection with the election. By Dennis Abrina

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Dennis Abrina