Comelec told to justify extension of SOCE deadline

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has been ordered to justify the extension of the deadline for the filing of Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) of political candidates in the May elections.

In yesterday’s session, the Supreme Court (SC) ordered the Comelec to answer a petition filed by the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), questioning the legality of the extension.

The poll body was given 10 days from receipt of notice to comply with the order and submit its comment, according to SC spokesman Theodore Te.

In its petition, PDP-Laban assailed the legality of Comelec’s Resolution 10147, which extended the deadline for SOCE filing from June 8 to 30.

The extension was reportedly meant to accommodate a request of the Liberal Party.

It said the poll body committed grave abuse of discretion and violated Republic Act 7166 or the Synchronized Local and National Elections and Electoral Reforms Act.

PDP-Laban said the extension was illegal, prohibited and void, noting the June 8 deadline should be non-extendible.

It said the Comelec overstepped its rule-making power because the duty to promulgate and amend laws belongs to Congress.

Earlier, the high court dismissed a similar petition filed by retired Army Col. Justino Padiernos of the People’s Freedom Party and lawyer Manuelito Luna of 1-Abilidad party-list.

The high court junked the first petition based on a technicality, citing the petitioners’ failure to attach a duplicate copy or certified copy of the assailed Comelec resolution as required by law.