By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Only 66.70 percent of candidates in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) in Negros Occidental filed their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).

Data from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Occidental revealed that of the 29,682 candidates in the October polls, only 19,800 were able to file their SOCEs.

In Bacolod City, the number is even lower, with only 1,970 candidates who submitted their poll expense statements.

Comelec had previously announced that there would be appropriate penalties for candidates who failed to submit their SOCE.

Ian Lee Ananoria, Comelec-Negros Occidental elections supervisor, said those who failed to submit their SOCEs will be notified by the poll body.

Even those who have withdrawn to run must also submit their SOCE, Comelec said.

The filing period ended on November 29.

The Comelec-Negros Occidental earlier reported a low turnout in the SOCE filing.

According to Republic Act 7166, candidates who fail to file their SOCE will result in penalties, and individuals may even be barred from holding public positions.

Administrative fines range between P1,000 and P30,000 on the first offense, and P2,000 to P60,000 plus perpetual disqualification from holding public office on the second offense./DGB, WDJ