In a stern reminder to candidates in Negros Oriental, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) emphasized the importance of filing the Statement of Contributions and Expenses (SOCE) post-election. Lionel Marco Castillano, the director of Comelec-Negros Island Region, highlighted during a Kapihan forum that failure to submit the SOCE within 30 days after the May 12 elections could lead to severe consequences, including perpetual disqualification from public office.
Castillano pointed out that some candidates, particularly those who lose, often neglect to file their SOCE, possibly due to reluctance to face the public again. However, he stressed that even winning candidates must comply with this requirement to assume their positions. The penalties escalate with each offense; the first and second instances result in fines varying by the candidate’s position, while a third offense leads to a lifetime ban from public office.
He referenced a recent case where a former mayor from Tayasan, Negros Oriental, was permanently barred from holding public office for failing to file his SOCE for three consecutive elections. This decision underscores the seriousness with which Comelec treats the filing of SOCEs.
In related news, the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office reported the arrest of two individuals for illegal firearm possession and violation of the Comelec gun ban. The arrests occurred on Monday evening and Tuesday morning in separate incidents. One suspect was apprehended during an anti-illegal gambling operation in Bais City, where a homemade ‘Black Widow’ firearm was seized. Another arrest followed a tip about a person carrying a revolver in Dauin, with the suspect unable to produce the necessary firearm documentation.