Low turnout of SOCE filing noted as deadline nears

Local

WITH less than two weeks remaining before the June 13 deadline, the Commission on Elections (Comelec)-Cebu Province noted that only a low number of candidates have so far submitted their Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).

As of Friday, May 30, only about 92 out of over 1,265 who filed candidacy for the 2025 elections have complied.

Atty. Marchel Sarno, Cebu Provincial Election Officer, emphasized that filing the SOCE is a mandatory post-election requirement for all candidates, regardless of the election outcome.

Sarno emphasized that the filing of SOCE is a legal obligation and that failure to comply carries corresponding penalties.

Sarno noted that after every election, it is usually the losing candidates who fail to file their SOCE, saying many are either uninterested or unwilling to comply.

He added that while winning candidates tend to file more urgently since it's required for them to assume office, the number of submissions remains very low.

Under Section 14 of Republic Act No. 7166, all candidates and political parties are required to file a full, true, and itemized statement of all contributions and expenditures within 30 days after the election.

Winning candidates who fail to submit their SOCE are barred from assuming office until compliance.

If the SOCE is not filed within six months from proclamation, the elected position is considered permanently vacant. For losing candidates, the deadline is final and non-extendible.

Failure to file the SOCE constitutes an administrative offense, with fines ranging from P1,000 to P30,000 for the first offense. A second offense may lead to perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

Comelec Chair George Garcia has urged the public to scrutinize the SOCEs of candidates, which will be made publicly available.

Garcia said it is important for the public to access the SOCE to verify the accuracy of reported expenses and contributions.

Comelec Cebu continues to remind all candidates to fulfill their post-election responsibilities promptly.

Candidates are advised to file their SOCEs at their respective Comelec offices where they filed their candidacy during office hours, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.(MyTVCebu)