BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
About five out of the 47 local candidates in Bacolod City have filed their Certificates of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) before the Commission on Elections Bacolod Field Office as of yesterday.
The Comelec is reminding all winning and losing candidates of the May 9 polls to submit their respective SOCE before June 8.
Republic Act 7166 requires every candidate and political party to submit their respective SOCE within 30 days from the day of the election.
Bacolod Election Officer Revo Sorbito yesterday said they are focusing on the submission of the SOCE since the deadline falls on June 8. Many have submitted their SOCE’s but there are those who have additional requirements to comply.
Under RA 7166, winning candidates who fail to submit their SOCE will be banned from assuming their posts until they file their statements.
Candidates who fail to submit their SOCE’s for the second time will be subject to perpetual disqualification to hold public office. Those who exceeded their campaign spending limits may face possible election offense charges.*
