THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Occidental has reminded all candidates to submit their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (Soce) before the deadline on June 11, 2025.
Provincial election supervisor Ian Lee Ananoria said all candidates, including those who did not win in the elections, should submit their Soce.
He said that as of June 5, in provincial level, only 10 candidates, including eight winning candidates, one local provincial party, and one losing candidate, have filed their Soce at the Comelec office.
He added that his office is accepting the Soces of the candidates from provincial governor, vice governor, congressman and the City Council.
The submission of the Soce is a requirement prescribed by the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines to determine compliance with the expenditure limit of a candidate.
Ananoria said failure to file the required statements or reports regarding electoral contributions and expenditures will result in penalties, and individuals may be barred from holding public positions.
“Those who are winning candidates are required (submission of Soce) in order to assume office,” he said.
Republic Act 7166 provides that failure to comply shall constitute an administrative offense, for which the offenders shall be liable to pay an administrative fine ranging from P1,000 to P30,000 at the discretion of the election body.
A second offense, the administrative fine would range from P2,000 to P60,000, and the offender would be subject to perpetual disqualification from holding public office. (MAP)