Comelec reiterates June 11 deadline for SOCE filings

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reiterated that there will be no extension for the June 11 deadline for candidates, political parties, and party-list groups to file their Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs) for the recent midterm elections.

Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco emphasized that candidates and groups must submit their SOCEs within 30 days after the elections, as mandated by Republic Act No. 7166, with Supreme Court rulings affirming Comelec's lack of authority to alter this deadline.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia noted that the SOCE must reflect total campaign expenditures and contributions received, be notarized, and any false declarations could lead to perjury charges.

Unspent campaign funds must also be declared and reported to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for tax processing.

The poll body clarified that all official candidates, whether elected, defeated, or those who withdrew, are required to file their SOCE.

Winning candidates who fail to submit their SOCEs by the deadline will not be allowed to assume office, even if they have already taken their oath.

Failure to comply can lead to administrative cases for both winning and losing candidates.

Submissions must be made in person on weekdays, including Saturdays and holidays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., as submissions via registered mail, email, courier, or messenger will not be accepted.