MANILA, Philippines — Those who ran in the Oct. 30 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) only have until today to file their statement of contributions and expenditures (SOCE).
Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said they are not extending the deadline for the filing of SOCE.
“The Supreme Court has a ruling nullifying any extension of the 30 days as provided by law,” Laudiangco added.
All winning and losing candidates in the BSKE are mandated to file their SOCE before the Comelec.
The poll body said appropriate action shall be taken against those who spent more than the allowed limit of P5 per voter.
Overspending, Comelec said, is considered a criminal offense that can be filed before a Regional Trial Court.
Candidates who may be found criminally liable for overspending possibly face one to six years in prison, forfeiture of the right to suffrage and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.