105 candidates banned from holding public office

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 105 candidates have been disqualified for life from holding public office for failing to file their statements of contributions and expenditures (SOCEs) during the previous elections, the Comission on Elections (Comelec) said yesterday. 

The lifetime ban is a result of the candidates’ failure to declare their spendings and the contributions they received during the campaign, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said.

He said the requirement applies to both winning and losing candidates.

Jimenez said the candidates could no longer question the decision of the Comelec because it underwent due process.

He said win or lose, those who are running for the May 14 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls should file their SOCEs.

“We have always said that the barangay is where the public directly experience our government. Our frontline public officials must be sterling exemplars of upright, law-abiding citizens to the public whom they pledge to serve,” he said.