785 bets face perpetual disqualification over SOCE

MANILA, Philippines - At least 785 candidates face perpetual disqualification from holding public office for failing to file their statements of contributions and expenditures (SOCEs) twice, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said yesterday.

Based on a report of the Comelec’s Campaign Finance Office, these candidates ran for local posts in 2007, 2010 and 2013.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said the candidates would be subjected to a preliminary investigation and cases would be filed before the agency’s Office of the Secretary of the Commission if probable cause is found.

“These cases can still be appealed. Under the rules, if you fail to file your SOCE twice, you will be disqualified and based on our lists, all are local (candidates),” Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said.

Records show that officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao had the most number of SOCE delinquents with 194. 

The other regions with the non-SOCE filers are Calabarzon (88), Cordillera Administrative Region (70), Northern Mindanao (67), Central Luzon (60), Soccsksargen (59) and National Capital Region (54).

Cagayan Valley had 30, Central Visayas (25), Ilocos region and Mimaropa (23), Eastern Visayas (21), Davao region (18), Zamboanga peninsula (16), Bicol region and Western Visayas (15 each) and Caraga (7).

Under Comelec Resolution 9991, these candidates also face fines ranging from P20,000 to P60,000, depending on the position they ran for.