Local bets urged to file statement of election expenses

MANILA, Philippines - Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo has reminded elected local officials and aspiring candidates that they are now mandated by Republic Act 7166 or the Synchronized Election Act of 1991 to file their statement of election expenses and contributions.

Robredo said that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) have signed an agreement to ensure the strict adherence of local elective candidates on the requirement of filing their statement of election contributions and expenses before the commission in accordance with the law.

Section 14 of RA 7166 specifically states, “Every candidate and treasurer of the political party shall, within 30 days after the day of the election, file in duplicate with the offices of the Commission the full, true and itemized statement of all contributions and expenditures in connection with the election.”

The same provision provides that “no person to any public office shall enter upon the duties of his office until he has filed the statement of expenditures herein required.”

According to Robredo, under the memorandum of agreement with the Comelec, winning candidates in any local elective position are now required to present a Comelec certification that they have filed their election expenditures statement before the DILG administers their oath of office and they are allowed to assume office.

“Public officials should start with a clean slate and submit an honest-to-goodness report of the list of those who funded their campaign and the expenses that they have incurred during the campaign period,” Robredo said.

Mandated to file their statements of election expenses and contributions are winning candidates for the posts of governor, vice governor, mayor, vice mayor and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Sangguniang Panlungsod and Sangguniang Bayan.

Robredo said that the law also provides that except for candidates in elective barangay offices, failure to file the statement will mean having to face an administrative offense and be made to pay a fine of between P1,000 and P30,000.

For second or subsequent offenders, Robredo said these candidates face perpetual disqualification from holding public office and will be made to pay an administrative fine of between P2,000 and P60,000.

“Those who are planning to seek public office should be mindful of the requirements of the law. For all intents and purposes, candidates, whether local or national, should do this in good faith and in the spirit of transparency,” Robredo said.

Robredo admitted that in past elections, there was low compliance among local candidates on the filing of statements on election expenses and contributions.

Meanwhile, Robredo said he would also be issuing a directive addressed to local government officials who are also authorized to administer oaths to require the same Comelec certification from winning candidates.