The Commission on Elections (Comelec) issued a reminder to all candidates, regardless if they won or lost in last Monday’s midterm elections, to file their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).

According to Comelec-Iloilo City assistant officer Jonathan Sayno, as stated in the Omnibus Election Code, candidates should submit their respective SOCEs within 30 days after the election.

He noted, those who refuse to fulfill their duty face penalties including an administrative case and fines between P1,000 to P30,000 on their first offense. Fines increase on a second offense, which can range between P2,000 and P60,000.

Second offenders will also be penalized with perpetual disqualification from holding public office./WDJ