CEBU, Philippines — As the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections come to an end, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos has reminded all candidates to file their Statements of Election Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) ahead of the deadline set.
The SOCE is a thorough and comprehensive report about the campaign contributions and expenditures of the political candidates.
For transparency, candidates are expected to file their SOCE to the Office of the Election Officer concerned on or before November 29, 2023, or not later than one month after the day of the election.
However, Abalos asked to submit it ahead of time.
“I-submit n’yo ang Statement of Contributions and Expenditure sa Comelec. Importante ‘yan.
At huwag n’yo nang hintayin ang 30-day deadline,” Abalos said.
Based on Republic Act No. 7166 or the Synchronized National and Local Elections and Electoral Reforms Act, no elected officials may sit without filing their respective SOCE.
Abalos also reminded winning candidates to ensure that the inventory report of the barangays’ assets and properties are legitimate and are turned over to them properly.
“It should be accepted. At i-check n’yo rin nang maigi kung ilang computer ang iniwan, ilang sasakyan. Napaka-importante nito kasi mamaya may nawawala sa inyo pa maibintang,” Abalos stressed. — (FREEMAN)