MANILA – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reminded anew local candidates who ran in the May 12 midterm elections to file their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).
In a statement Tuesday, the DILG said this complies with Section 14 of Republic Act 7166 and Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution 10730, which requires candidates, both winning and losing, to submit their SOCE.
The deadline for SOCE filing was earlier set on June 11.
Under the law, no elected official will be allowed to assume office until the required SOCE has been submitted in compliance with the rules.
The DILG, with its mandate to supervise local governments and implement relevant election-related laws and policies, will not issue any recognition of assumption or acknowledge any oath-taking for officials who fail to submit their SOCE.
Regional and field offices have been instructed to coordinate with Comelec for verification prior to acting on any assumption to office at the local level.
Failure to file SOCE may also result in administrative fines for candidates. Repeat violations result into stiffer fines and subject the offender to perpetual disqualification to hold public office.
The SOCE requirement promotes transparency and accountability in the conduct of elections and in the use of campaign funds. It serves as a post-election compliance measure to ensure integrity in public office and to reinforce public trust in electoral processes.
The DILG reiterated that full compliance with the SOCE requirement is a condition precedent to the lawful entry into public office.
Local government units and transition teams are directed to ensure that legal prerequisites, including the SOCE, are verified and fulfilled before proceeding with any turnover or assumption ceremonies. (PNA)