CEBU, Philippines - The Comelec in Negros Oriental province cautioned candidates in the recent elections against ignoring the filing of their respective statement of contributions and expenses (SOCE), as mandated by the Omnibus Election Code, on or before June 8.
Bais City Election Officer Gilgu Agoncillo said EOs all over the province would have returned to their original assignments by now but was extended up to June 15, to complete their accountabilities, including receipts of the SOCE from the candidates.
Agoncillo made it clear to both winners and losers they can be banned forever from running for public office if they failed twice to file their SOCE as provided for by law. He cited that a number of would-be candidates in the past were already disqualified to run in the elections due to their failure to file their SOCEs twice.
Late submission is deemed as not having filed at all, said Agoncillo, explaining that SOCE should be filed 30 days after the elections. — (FREEMAN)