Comelec reminds bets on SOCE filing deadline

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reminded all the candidates in the last barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls that they have only until Wednesday to file their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).

“Please note that the deadline for the filing of SOCEs is on June 13.  Comelec offices nationwide will be open on June 12 to accept the filing of SOCEs,” said Comelec spokesman James Jimenez.

Whether they won or lost in the race, he said all those who filed certificates of candidacy are required to submit the SOCEs.  

“Even if they did not run during the elections, they have to file a SOCE. If they went abroad, they can execute a power of attorney so that a representative can file for them,” Jimenez added.            

Under the law, failure to file SOCE twice would result in a ban from running for public office again.

Data showed 685,785 candidates vied for 335,584 barangay seats while 386,206 others ran for a similar number of SK seats.