Bets reminded to submit SOCE

CEBU, Philippines - The Commission on Elections Cebu City office has reminded candidates to submit their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).

Cebu City Board of Canvassers chairman Comelec election officer Ferdinand Gujilde sent a written reminder last May 23 to all candidates in Cebu City pursuant to section 14 of Republic Act No. 7166 and Rule 8 of Comelec Resolution No. 9476.

Gujilde reminded candidates to submit their SOCE. The deadline is on June 12 or 30 days after the May 13 elections.

The document, to be submitted in four copies in "full true and itemized", contains the amount of contribution, expenditure, unpaid obligation duly supported by receipts complete with basic information like full name and address with tax identification number.

This will be submitted to the same Comelec office where the candidate has filed his or her certificate of candidacy either personally or through registered mail.

Absence of contribution and expenditure must also be reflected in the SOCE in the event that the candidate or the party does not have any.

Gujilde earlier stated that failure to submit SOCE can be grounds to prevent the winning candidate from taking office.

Moreover, candidates can also be fined monetarily depending on the position that he or she ran for.

For congressional, mayoral and vice mayoral candidates, a first-time offense means a fine of P20,000 which doubles on the second offense.

Candidates for city council are fined P15,000 for the first offense which also doubles on the second offense. (FREEMAN)