Comelec urged: Extend deadline for SOCE in typhoon-hit areas
CEBU, Philippines - The Commission on Elections in Region 6 has requested its central office to extend the deadline in the submission of Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) of the candidates in the last barangay elections in typhoon-hit areas including Central Visayas.
Cebu Provincial Election Officer, Atty. Ferdinand Gujilde, said that Comelec 6 director Dennis Ausan filed the request before the Comelec en banc. Gujilde, however, said they have yet to receive a resolution on the request. Pending a resolution the original deadline which was November 28 will apply.
But Gujilde clarified that the areas that were not affected by the super typhoon Yolanda can no longer avail of the extension should the Comelec en banc grants the request.
Gujilde said that the Omnibus Election Code states that all candidates, win or lose, should file their SOCE 30 days after the election day.
Meanwhile, all the proclaimed winners in the October 28 barangay elections will already assume on December 1. But those who have not filed their SOCE cannot assume their office. They will also face the corresponding penalties under the election law. Among the consequences of not filing SOCE would be a permanent disqualification from holding public office.
“It’s only administrative, dili criminal case.. wala’y mapriso kun dili mo-file og soce,†Gujilde clarified. (FREEMAN)
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