The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Oriental said yesterday that only 15,268 or 79.15 percent of the total 19,289 candidates in the recent barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) had filed their statements of contribution and expenses (SOCEs).

Lawyer Eliseo Labaria, the acting provincial election supervisor, said they expect the numbers to increase once the different towns and cities submit their respective reports with November 30 being the last day of filing of SOCE.

The candidates unable to file their SOCEs will face sanctions, Labaria said.

On Wednesday, November 29, Comelec warned elected barangay and SK officials of facing removal from office and disqualification from running and holding any appointive position should they fail to file their SOCE.

Meanwhile, one of the requirements for a winning candidate before assumption to office is to present a certification from the Comelec having submitted the SOCE, Labaria said. (PNA)