THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) issued a stern warning Tuesday to candidates who participated in the May 12 midterm elections, cautioning against the submission of inaccurate Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs).
Comelec Chair George Garcia emphasized the serious legal consequences of submitting false information. “If you file SOCEs with discrepancies and are untruthful, you can face charges of falsification and perjury. Those are violations of the law,” Garcia stated in an interview.
Republic Act No. 7166 mandates that all candidates and political parties must file “full, true, and itemized” SOCEs within 30 days of the election.
Failure to comply with this legal requirement can result in significant administrative penalties, including fines. The deadline for SOCE submission this year is June 11th. The Comelec is taking a firm stance on this matter, aiming to ensure transparency and accountability in campaign financing.
Garcia stressed the importance of compliance, urging all candidates, regardless of whether they won or lost, to submit their SOCEs on time and accurately.
“We are reminding all candidates, winners or losers, that you are all mandated to file your SOCEs,” Garcia insisted. The Comelec’s emphasis on accurate SOCE reporting underscores its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and preventing financial irregularities in political campaigns.
The Comelec’s warning serves as a clear message that the submission of truthful and complete SOCEs is not merely a formality but a legal obligation.
Candidates who fail to comply risk facing severe legal repercussions, highlighting the importance of accurate financial reporting in Philippine elections. The Commission is expected to actively monitor SOCE submissions and pursue legal action against those found to have violated the law.
