Ten candidates who ran in the May 12 midterm elections in Negros Occidental have filed their Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Provincial election supervisor Ian Lee Ananoria said among those who have submitted their SOCE are eight winning candidates, one losing candidate and one local provincial party.

The filing deadline is set for June 11, coinciding with the close of the election period.

Ananoria said the filing of SOCE is required before winning candidates can officially assume their government positions.

Failure to file the SOCE twice may result in a penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding any government office.

Candidates for congressional and provincial positions are required to file their SOCE with Comelec-Negros Occidental, while local candidates must submit theirs to their respective election officers.

This filing process ensures transparency and accountability in campaign financing, reinforcing the integrity of the electoral system in the province.

The poll body uses the SOCE to determine if candidates follow the allowable spending limits during the campaign period./JB, WDJ