First SOCEs filed by losing senatorial bet, 4 party-list groups

A losing senatorial candidate and four party-list groups were the first to submit their Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs) for the May 12 midterm elections.

Vic Rodriguez, the first executive secretary of the Marcos administration, was the earliest filer on May 23.

The party-list groups that also filed their SOCEs on time include Abono, Abante Pangasinan-Ilokano, 1-Pacman, and Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) requires all candidates, political parties, and party-list groups to submit their SOCEs by June 11, which is 30 days after the elections.

SOCEs submitted after the deadline will not be accepted by the Comelec - Political Finance and Affairs Department.

Failure to file a SOCE can lead to fines for a first offense and perpetual disqualification for repeat offenders.

Filings are accepted on weekdays and Saturdays, including holidays, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., and must include both hard and electronic copies.

The Comelec explicitly states that submissions via registered mail, email, courier, or messenger services are not permitted, and the SOCE must be personally signed by the candidate or party treasurer.