Comelec decision on Marcoleta SOCE out Wednesday

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections is expected to release on Wednesday its decision on issues surrounding the statement of contributions and expenditures (SOCE) filed by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, according to Comelec Chairman George Garcia.

Garcia said the poll body is finalizing its ruling after requiring the Comelec commissioner to submit their respective positions on the case.

“This Wednesday, our countrymen can expect that the commission will come out with a decision because we required each member to submit their positions—whether dissent or concurrence,” Garcia said in a radio interview yesterday.

The Comelec earlier initiated a motu proprio investigation after questions were raised about alleged discrepancies between Marcoleta’s statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN) and the SOCE he filed with the poll body.

Data from the SOCE showed Marcoleta reported spending P139.9 million for his 2025 senatorial campaign—significantly higher than the P51.9 million net worth he declared in his SALN—while indicating he received no campaign donations.

Earlier this week, the Comelec said it encountered complications in resolving the case after the Office of the Ombudsman referred to the poll body a related complaint questioning both Marcoleta’s SOCE and SALN.

The commission is now investigating how the issues raised in the separate complaint relate to its ongoing investigation.