How to avoid poll disqualification with SOCE

MANILA, Philippines - Numerous candidates are in danger of being disqualified by the Comelec due to erroneous or non-submission of Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE). 

This is based on Comelec’s strict implementation of Resolution 9476 and Republic Act 7166 mandating all election candidates and political parties – would-be winners and losers – in the 2016 election exercise who are required to submit their SOCE.

The winners who will not submit this requirement correctly will not be allowed to assume their elective post with permanent disqualification from running in the next election exercise. The would-be losers will not be allowed to run again with the same permanent disqualification in the succeeding election. 

To help candidates avoid these pitfalls, the Center for Global Best Practices is holding a one-day seminar to guide and help candidates, their chiefs of staff, accountants, and election supporters in the correct preparation of their SOCE on Jan. 22, 2016. (For details and a complete list of seminars including “How to Win the Election Battleground Legally and Wisely” and “Revised General Instructions on Automated Election,” log on to www.cgbp.org or call (02) 842-7148/ 59 and 556-8968/ 69, Cebu lines: (032) 512-3106 or 07 or Baguio line: (074) 423-5148.)

A wise candidate will prepare for it this early as one starts spending on his campaign. This seminar will comprehensively discuss SOCE preparation including clarifications on lawful and unlawful campaign paraphernalia, the limits of expense, time and space for political ads such as billboards, streamers, movies, documentaries, radio, TV, newspaper, and other social media that will all need to be reflected in their SOCE.

The seminar will feature Atty. Ferdinand T. Rafanan, who was head of the Comelec Law Department until July 2011 and presently RTC judge in Cebu whose division handles election-related disputes.  This will also feature Atty. Hardy B. Aquende, CPA, Esq. who is a seasoned tax lawyer whose practice include handling tax, Comelec and Ombudsman cases for political candidates running for office.