Comelec bars Serge Osmeña

Former senator Sergio “Serge” Osmeña III has been permanently barred from seeking public office by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

- Caecent No-ot Magsumbol

This came after Osmeña, now 80 years old, failed to file his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) twice, back in 2010 and 2016 when he ran for senator.

Republic Act 7166 mandates candidates to file their SOCEs within 30 days after Election Day, and failure to file a SOCE for two consecutive elections disqualifies a candidate from seeking any government position, aside from the fines set.

As per Comelec, all official candidates, political parties, and party-lists shall file their SOCES, regardless of whether they win or lose. This rule also applies whether they incurred expenses or received any contributions, had a self funded campaign, did not pursue or continue their campaign, or withdrew their candidacy, unless the withdrawal was done officially before the start of the campaign period.