Comelec reviewing candidates' SOCEs

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Saturday said it is now reviewing the Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs) filed by candidates in the recent midterm polls following its decision to unseat more than 400 winning candidates who allegedly failed to comply with the poll body's requirements.

“We started auditing those who complied. Auditing means we are verifying if those stated in their SOCEs are true and correct. We are also checking on their supporting documents,” Comelec Chair Sixto Brillantes, Jr. said.

Republic Act 7166 requires all candidates to file their SOCEs 30 days after the polls.

At least 422 candidates who won in the May 23 elections have been called by the Comelec to vacate their posts after failing to submit valid SOCEs. The poll body said those who were asked to vacate their posts failed to personally sign the SOCEs or did not use the prescribed form, while others did not file any SOCE at all.

Among those who were asked to leave their office were Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo and Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos.

“We are still reviewing those who submitted wrong information. We can file perjury charges against candidates who gave false information because the filing of the said document is under oath,” Brillantes said.