Comelec en banc grants LP request, extends SOCE filing

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc on Thursday voted 4-3 in favor of accepting the Liberal Party’s request to extend the deadline for the filing of the Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE)

The Comelec en banc moved the deadline to June 30 despite the announcement that the June 8 deadline is “non-extendable.” Due to this, no fines will be imposed for late filers.

Comelec said its decision to grant LP’s request is backed by laws and precedent, citing practical reasons that the mandate of the people during the May 9 elections may be disregarded if they choose to not accept the late SOCEs submitted.

“This is for the benefit of everyone, hindi lang LP ang apektado dito,” Jimenez clarified citing that the extension will also benefit five senators, 150 congressmen and 40 governors.

“In deciding to extend SOCE deadline, we were thinking – are we going to defeat the will of the people,” the poll body said.

The four commissioners in favor of the extension were Arthur Lim, Al  Parreño, Sheriff Abas and Rowena Guanzon while those who voted against it were Christian Robert Lim, Luie Tito Guia and Chairman Juan Andres Bautista.

Bautista reportedly voted for the late filing of SOCE with the imposition of penalties.

On Tuesday, the LP submitted its SOCE before the Comelec almost a week after the deadline for filing. Its members winning Sen. Franklin Drilon and standard bearer Manuel Roxas II have not yet submitted their SOCE. —Rosette Adel with reports from Bilang Pilipino and Shiela Crisostomo

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