Candidates reminded of SOCE filing deadline

CEBU, Philippines —With only ten days remaining before the June 11 deadline, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Cebu Province reported that only a few of the more than 1,200 candidates have submitted their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).

According to Comelec Cebu Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Marchel Sarno, only 92 candidates filed their SOCEs between May 19 to 24 and May 26 to 30. This is out of the 1,265 candidates who ran across the Province of Cebu and its highly urbanized cities (HUCs).

Of those who filed, only a small portion are elected officials: two board members, eight mayors, 12 vice mayors, and 70 councilors.

Sarno said candidates typically submit their SOCEs close to the deadline.

“We expect nga on the last day najud na sila mo file sa SOCE,” said Sarno.

He added that some losing candidates may no longer be inclined to comply, while others—especially those who won—might be delaying due to post-election responsibilities.

Sarno stressed that filing the SOCE is a legal requirement, regardless of the election outcome.

“Akong gi hangyo ang tanang kandidato nga ni file including tong mga ni withdraw, mo file silag SOCE,” he said.

“Especially those candidates na gusto pa modagan sa sunod na election,” he added.

Comelec reiterated that all candidates, political parties, and party-lists are required to file a SOCE—even if they spent nothing, received no contributions, self-funded their campaign, or did not campaign at all. The only exemption applies to those who officially withdrew their candidacy before the campaign period began.

The SOCE must be signed personally by the candidate or the party treasurer and submitted in both hard copy and electronic formats—PDF and Excel files stored on an external device.

Under the law, SOCEs must be filed no later than 30 days after election day. Filing must be done in person at the appropriate Comelec office between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., including weekends and holidays.

Late submissions will not be accepted, as the deadline is final and non-extendible. Comelec emphasized that no winning candidate may assume office if their SOCE is not submitted on time.

Submissions via email, courier, postal mail, or through representatives are also not allowed.

Failure to file a SOCE constitutes an administrative offense under Republic Act 7166, punishable by a fine of P1,000 to P30,000 for the first offense. Repeat offenders may face higher fines of P2,000 to P60,000 and possible perpetual disqualification from holding public office. The severity of the penalty depends on the candidate’s position and the number of offenses.

In Mandaue City, Assistant Election Officer Jacqueline Reuyan is urging candidates to comply before the June 11 deadline.

Reuyan said many candidates have visited their office to inquire about the required format and documentation. However, as of Thursday, May 29, only one of the city’s 42 candidates had submitted their SOCE.

Former city councilor and independent candidate JP Ceniza was the first to file. He said he did so to fulfill his obligation.

“Para wala na tay problema gani kay kinahanglan man gyud nato i-abide ang rules sa Comelec mas maayo nga humana ta,” said Ceniza.

He also encouraged other candidates to submit early. Ceniza, who served as councilor from 2007 to 2016, failed to win a seat in the May 12 elections.

Reuyan noted that a common oversight among candidates is failing to correctly indicate their political party affiliation.

“Giawhag namo tanang kandidato, wa nadaog ug nakadaog nga musubmit na on or before June 11 mas maayo nga dili maghuwat sa deadline,” Reuyan said. — Jonnavie Villa and Kristin de Dios/FPL