Elected officials who failed to file SOCEs may be fined

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is no longer keen on ousting elected officials who failed to file their Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs) in connection with the May 2013 polls.

In an interview, Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. yesterday said these officials would instead be slapped with administrative fines.

In December 2013, the Comelec identified 421 elected officials who violated the SOCE requirements, either by failing to submit it or by filing it incorrectly.

The Comelec extended the deadline for filing the corrected SOCE until last June 30.

Brillantes said they would release the list of officials, both local and national, who failed to submit their SOCEs, filed incorrect documents and those who overspent during the previous elections.

Those found violating the campaign spending limits would face criminal offense.

“Next week, maybe we will be able to announce the list for vice mayors, councilors and provincial board members. We will do it in batches,” he said.

 

Show comments