Comelec extends SOCE filing in typhoon-hit areas to Dec. 15

CEBU, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has extended the submission of Statement of Contribution and Expenditure (SOCE) for the typhoon-ravaged regions in the Visayas.

The extension also includes the deadline for the liquidation of cash advances incurred by Comelec personnel during the October barangay poll.

Comelec VI Director Dennis Ausan earlier requested the Comelec en banc, through a memorandum dated November 18, to extend the time to file the SOCE from November 27 to December 15, 2013.

"The Commission RESOLVED, as it hereby RESOLVES, to grant the requests of Director Dennis L. Ausan, Region VI," the resolution read.

The extension also applies to Regions VII, and VIII, as stated in the resolution.

Cebu Provincial Election Officer Ferdinand Gujilde earlier said that many candidates failed to submit their SOCE on its original deadline November 27.

Gujilde also reminded all the candidates, win or lose, to file their SOCE before the new deadline because for him, they tend to relax and wait until cut-off date.

He, however, clarified that the areas that were not affected by the super typhoon Yolanda can no longer avail of the extension.

Candidates who failed to submit their SOCE would have to submit the document to the central office at their own expense.

One of the consequences of not filing SOCE for three offenses would be a permanent disqualification from holding public office. (FREEMAN)