‘Barangay, SK officials must report expenses to Comelec’

MANILA, Philippines — A poll watchdog yesterday asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) not to allow newly elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to assume their posts until they have filed their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).

In a list published on its website, the Comelec identified 105 candidates who were perpetually disqualified from holding public office for failure to file their SOCE twice.

The Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) said the Comelec and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) should implement the law on the filing of SOCE.

“This should be strictly implemented to ensure compliance with the campaign finance laws,” LENTE executive director Rona Caritos said.

The winners in the barangay and SK polls will assume their posts on June 30.

The Comelec earlier warned candidates who would fail to file their SOCE before the June 12 deadline of disqualification.

Carios said even those who did not win the elections are required to submit their SOCE to the local Comelec offices.

“We would like to remind all candidates to file their SOCE whether or not they won to avoid being penalized,” Carios said.

Under Repuclic Act 7166, all candidates are required to file true and itemized statement of campaign contributions and expenses within 30 days after the election.

Winning candidates who failed twice to file their SOCE would be prohibited from holding public office until they comply with the requirement.

Earlier, the Comelec announced that all its offices would be opened on June 12, which is a non-working holiday, to accept SOCEs. SOCE forms can be downloaded at www.comelec.gov.ph. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe