ALL eight candidates in the May 13, 2019 elections in Cebu City who filed their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) said they spent their own money for the campaign and did not receive any cash donation.

So far, reelected Cebu City South District Rep. Rodrigo Abellanosa reported the biggest spending among the eight candidates. He spent P460,500 of his personal funds and did not have any campaign donor, according to the SOCE he submitted to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday, June 10.

Candidates for a congressional seat and city councilor who belong to a political party are allowed to spend P3 per voter. In the south district, candidates are allowed to spend up to P1,152,093.

Other south district candidates who submitted their SOCE are incoming south district councilor Antonio Cuenco, who reported spending P411,565.30 for his campaign, reelected South District Councilor Eduardo Rama Jr. (P325,174.17) and reelected south district Councilor Dave Tumulak (P65,616.60).

In the north district, independent candidate for congressman, Dungog Ricardo, reported spending P48,032.05 to mount his campaign.

Other bets who filed their SOCE are defeated vice mayoral candidate and outgoing councilor Mary Ann de los Santos (P138,391.62), reelected Councilor Joy Augustus Young (P174,793.39) and incoming north district councilor Alvin Dizon (P153,680).

Candidates for a congressional seat and for city councilor in the north district may spend up to P976,000.

All eight candidates who submitted their SOCE reported having no cash donors during the campaign, though Tumulak said he received contributions in kind amounting to P15,000.

Candidates have until Thursday, June 13, to submit the required election spending report.

Earlier, Acting Commission on Elections 7 Director Veronico Petalcorin said those who won in the elections would not be allowed to assume office if they failed to submit their Soce by June 13.

Those who fail to file their SOCE twice will be perpetually disqualified from holding any public office.

Lawyer Chauncey Boholst, Cebu City North District election officer, said they are optimistic all candidates will be able to meet the deadline. (RVC)