Elected officials face penalties if SOCE deadline missed

Newly-elected officials must file their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) by June 8, 2022, to be allowed to take their oath of office on June 30.

Failure to meet the deadline will result in penalties, and while winning candidates will be given six months to comply, they cannot assume office until they do.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año emphasized that compliance with the law is crucial for newly-elected officials to start their terms correctly.

Candidates must submit a detailed report of all election-related contributions and expenditures to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) within 30 days after the elections.

The SOCE includes cash and in-kind contributions received by the candidate from a political party and other sources, and expenditures paid out of personal funds, out of cash contributions, and incurred using in-kind contributions.

Donations given to candidates and political parties by their supporters are subject to income tax under Revenue Memorandum Circular 22-2022.

Winning candidates who fail to file their SOCE may face perjury, perpetual disqualification, or imprisonment, in addition to administrative sanctions and fines.

In Cebu City's south district, half of the 22 candidates had filed their SOCE by Wednesday.