THE re-election bid of Albay's 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda in the May 13 polls is now facing a roadblock.
This after his rival, Virgilio Goyena, filed a petition for Salceda’s perpetual disqualification for failing to file his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (Soce) twice - 2010 and 2013 elections.
In a petition filed at the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Goyena alleged that Salceda failed to file his Soce after running for Albay Governor in the 2010 polls.
He also claimed that the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan bet did not personally sign his Soce when he ran for the same post in the 2013 elections.
“In the instant case, the respondent failed to file for the 2nd time his Soce. The commission of a second offense shall be subject to perpetual disqualification to hold public office,” said Goyena in his four-page petition.
“As a consequence of the foregoing, the respondent should and shall be perpetually disqualified to hold public office, including membership in the House of Representatives,” furthered the petitioner, who is a guest candidate of the Labor Party Philippines.
Citing a certification from the Comelec - Campaign Finance Office, Goyena said it has been ascertained that Salceda did not file his Soce in 2010.
The poll body, he added, also certified that the 2013 Soce of Salceda was signed by lawyer Caroline Cruz Sabio.
Under the law, all candidates and parties who ran in the last elections, regardless of whether they won or lost, must file their Soce not later than 30 days after the day of election.
In addition, Comelec rules provide that Soce must be personally signed by the candidate or party treasurer. (HDT/ SunStar Philippines)