NEGROS Occidental Governor-elect Alfredo "Freddie" Maranon Jr. was among the candidates who beat Wednesday’s deadline for filing of Statement of Expenditures at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Provincial Office.
Based on his election expenses report, Marañon spent P1,980,764 during the May 10 polls, the biggest so far of all the candidates in the province.
Maranon's running mate Vice Governor-elect Genaro "Lim-ao" Alvarez spent P362,164.11.
Provincial Comelec Supervisor, lawyer Jessie Suarez, said those who fail to file their statements on time have to pay fines of P1,000 to P30,000 and eventually face charges for committing an election offense that is punishable by one to six years imprisonment.
Those who won the elections may also be barred to assume office if they fail to submit their election expenses report.
Third district Congressman-elect Albee Benitez, meanwhile, spent P615,646.90. He will take his oath of office on June 25 in Victorias City with Judge Felipe Banzon.
Others who filed their statement of expenditures Wednesday were re-elected Congressman Alfredo "Thirdy" Maranon III- P280,980; Board Member Nehemias dela Cruz- P26,250; Manuel Frederick Ko- P36,627.80; Congresswoman Mercedes Alvarez-P238,673.70; Board Member Mae Javellana-P19,895; Board member Melvin Ibanez-P253,682; Board Member Patrick Lacson-P53,000; Congressman Iggy Arroyo-P124,083.49; Board Member Renato Gustilo-P14,400; Pedro Zayco (board member) – P212,928; Jose Benito Alonso (board member) – P21,416; and Mae Javellana (board member)– P19,895.
In Bacolod, the initial records bared that only three of the five candidates for Congressman in the lone district have filed, including Bacolod Congressman-elect Anthony Golez with P655,241.30; Ricardo Tan, P479, 483.81; and lawyer Renecito Novero with P150,000.
For mayor, re-elected Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia spent P718,785.65 and Vladimir Gonzalez with P383,899.95.
Outgoing Bacolod City lone district Congressman and mayoralty candidate Monico O. Puentevella and the other mayoralty candidates have not yet filed their statement of contributions and expenditures.
For vice mayor, outgoing Councilor Wilson “Jun” Gamboa Jr. spent P848,048.80, while for councilor: El Cid Familiaran spent P30,800; Elmer Sy, P49,000; Sonya Verdeflor, P65,800; Vicky Fernandez, P66,334.51; Siegfredo Magalona, P6,500; Vicente Petierre, III, P100,000; Bobbie Lucasan, P49,114.39; Adolfo Leonardia, P207,000; lawyer Mary Crystal May Vega, P112,490; Juan Miguel Estrella, P200,000 and Celia Flor, P144,233.60. (TED/Carla Cañet)