WITH the June 8 deadline for filing of statements of contributions and expenditures (SOCE) already on Wednesday, the Commission on Elections reiterated its reminder for candidates, parties that have not yet filed.

Outgoing Comelec acting spokesman Atty. Rex Laudiangco reiterated that failure to comply may result in administrative charges and penalties including disqualification from running for public office.

As of 5 pm Friday, the following already filed their SOCEs: presidential candidate Panfilo Lacson; senatorial candidates Guillermo Eleazar and Sonny Trillanes; party-list groups ABONO, SENIOR CITIZENS, BISAYA GYUD, ANG KABUHAYAN, AKO BISAYA, KABALIKAT NG MAMAMAYAN, ABANTE, ANAKPAWIS, ANG BUMBERO, BAYAN MUNA, and A TEACHER; and political party UNIDO.

Section 14 of Republic Act 7166 or the Synchronized Elections Act states that every candidate or treasurer of a political party shall file in duplicate with the offices of the Comelec the “full, true and itemized statement of all contributions and expenditures in connection with the election” within 30 days after the elections.

Candidates who will not file will be charged with an administrative offense and will be liable to pay a fine ranging from P1,000 to P30,000.00 at the discretion of the poll body with the exemption of aspirants in the barangay level.

For a winning bet, failure to comply may result in his or her assumption of office getting withheld.

The Comelec further advised candidates to be transparent in filing their SOCEs, saying their campaign finance office will be verifying their documents.

It also reminded candidates that expenditures exceeding allowed by law would constitute an election offense punishable by imprisonment.

Section 13 of RA 7166 provides the limitation of authorized expenses of candidates and political parties. It states that candidates vying for presidency and vice-presidency shall spend P10 for every voter currently registered in the constituency where he filed his certificate of candidacy.

Aspirants with political parties will be allowed to spend P3 for every voter while independent candidates will be allowed up to P5.

Political parties, for their part, are allowed up to P5 for every voter currently registered in the constituency or constituencies where it has official candidates.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Lee Ann P. Ducusin