SOCE Filing Ends

The filing of statements of contributions and expenditures (SOCE) before the Commission on Elections ended yesterday, still with many candidates, party-list groups and political parties unable to comply with the Comelec requirement.

- — Mayen Jaymalin

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said candidates, party-list groups and political parties that twice committed the violation of not filing SOCE face criminal charges and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

"They won't be able to serve in government, whether appointive or elective position. It can't be allowed, unless granted clemency or presidential pardon," Garcia noted.

He said even those who submitted the SOCE but did not declare the truth also face administrative and criminal suit.