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Mayen Jaymalin - The Philippine Star
June 12, 2025 | 12:00am
Comelec Chairman George Garcia said candidates, party-list groups and political parties that twice committed the violation of not filing SOCE face criminal charges and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
Philstar.com / Irra Lising
MANILA, Philippines — The filing of statements of contributions and expenditures (SOCE) before the Commission on Elections ended yesterday, still with many candidates, party-list groups and political parties unable to comply with the Comelec requirement.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia said candidates, party-list groups and political parties that twice committed the violation of not filing SOCE face criminal charges and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
“They won’t be able to serve in government, whether appointive or elective position. It can’t be allowed, unless granted clemency or presidential pardon,” Garcia noted.
He said even those who submitted the SOCE but did not declare the truth also face administrative and criminal suit.
The poll chief urged the people to look into all SOCEs to be published on the Comelec website and report those who submitted wrongful statements.
“If they feel there’s something wrong or lacking, please notify our Political and Finance Affairs Department so we can study and investigate,” Garcia said.
Administrative fines will be imposed on those who did not file SOCE for the first time.
The law mandates the filing of SOCEs within 30 days from the date of elections, regardless of whether they won or lost. Those who won in the elections cannot assume their post until they submit the SOCE to the Comelec.
As of noon yesterday, Garcia said only 32 out of the 66 senatorial candidates and 83 out of 155 party-list groups that participated in the May 12 elections have filed their SOCE. Out of 28 political parties, Garcia said, 14 have complied with the requirement.
Garcia, however, noted that at the Comelec main office and local offices, there is a long line of candidates and representatives of party-list groups and political parties rushing to beat the deadline.
In the 2022 elections, Garcia said the Comelec filed over 400 cases against candidates, party-list groups and political parties for failing to file their SOCE.
