More than 40 bets failed to file statements of contributions

MANILA, Philippines – More than 40 candidates who had run for national positions in the May 10 elections have failed to file their statement of contributions and expenses with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

“We have already recommended to the commission to fine them,” said Comelec law department director Ferdinand Rafanan.

The Comelec law department has recommended a P25,000 fine for first time offenders, and a bigger fine plus disqualification for second time offenders. 

Under the Fair Election Act, winning and losing candidates will be fined P1,000 to P30,000 for first offense. 

For the second offense, a fine of P2,000 to P60,000 is imposed plus a lifetime ban from holding public office.

Among those who failed to beat the June 24 deadline of filing their statement of contributions and expenses are winning Sen. Sergio Osmeña III, John Carlos Reyes of Ang Kapatiran Party, and Bro. Eddie Villanueva of Bangon Pilipinas party.

Osmeña had committed to comply with the Comelec requirement as soon as he could sort out his files.

Candidate monitored

Rafanan said the Comelec monitored a councilor in Parañaque who twice failed to file his contribution and expense statement, first in 2007 and again this year.

“We wrote to him telling him to vacate his post because he won. He replied to our letter. We already referred the matter to the commission,” he said.

Republic Act 7166 or the Synchronized National and Local Elections Law stipulates that winning candidates cannot assume their positions until they have filed their statement of contributions and expenditures.