By Ferdinand G. Patinio
MANILA, July 15 (PNA) — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to slap administrative fines against close to 5,000 candidates during the 2013 National and Local Elections for failure to file their Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).
In a statement, the poll body will be filing administrative fines against 4,667 candidates, including incumbent elected officials in violation of the Republic Act (RA) 7166.
Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said that the administrative fines amounted to Php 52,300,518.00.
“The slapping of fines on these erring candidates shows the resolve of the COMELEC to strictly enforce campaign finance laws, rules and regulations,” he said.
Comelec Resolution No. 9939, promulgated on April 6, 2015, listed down the scale of administrative fines for candidates and parties who failed to file their SOCEs.
It added the National Parties and candidates for senatorial positions will be fined Php 30,000 for first offense and Php 60, 000 for second offense.
On the other hand, candidates for House of Representatives (Legislative Districts), City Mayors and City Vice-Mayors will be fined Php 20, 000 for first offense and Php 40, 000 for second offense. Municipal Mayors, Municipal Vice-Mayors and Municipal Councilors, on the other hand, shall be fined Php 10, 000 for first offense and Php 20, 000 for second offense.
Section 14 of RA 7166 provides that all candidates and treasurers of political parties are required to file their SOCEs.
“No person elected to any public offices shall enter upon the duties of his office until he has filed the statement of contributions and expenditures…” the law stated. (PNA)