By Clarist Mae Zablan
(June 19, 2024) – Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairperson George Garcia on Wednesday proposed to publish the declared election-related spending of candidates as the 2025 midterm elections fast approaches.
Garcia said he plans to raise this proposal to release to the public the Statement of Contribution and Expenditures (SOCE) of candidates during an en banc session later this week.
“Dapat alam ng mga kababayan natin, ng mga constituent, kung sino ba ang nag-donate, magkano ba ang ginastos, saan kinuha ang ginastos, sino ang nabigyan, at ano ang pinagkagastusan ng mga kandidato,” the COMELEC chief told reporters.
“Kapag ito ay nailabas natin kahit sa website ng COMELEC, sa aking palagay, kahit papaano mase-serve na natin ‘yung general interest na magkaroon ng complete transparency, lalong-lalo na kung eleksyon ang pag-uusapan.”
Last week, Garcia said he wanted to recommend releasing the certificates of candidacy (COCs) and, in certain cases, the corresponding Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA), to the public on the COMELEC website in the upcoming 2025 national and local elections.
Garcia said the proposal has been approved “in principle.”
“Amin pong itinalaga ang ating Law Department, kasama na rin po ang Information Technology Department, upang makagawa ng polisiya kung paano ito isasagawa na hindi naman malalabag ang privacy rights ng mga kandidato,” he said.
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TV5 Network Inc. values and respects your privacy. We are committed to safeguarding your personal data in compliance with Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and its implementing rules and regulations.
We have developed a Privacy Policy that adopts and observes appropriate standards for personal data protection. While our Privacy Policy sets out the general principles governing the collection, use, and disclosure of our users’ personal information, our Privacy Commitment seeks to inform you more about TV5’s privacy practices.
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Data Protection Officer
TV5 Network Inc.
Reliance corner Sheridan Streets
Mandaluyong City
tv5dataprivacy@tv5.com.ph
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From time to time, we may update our privacy policy and practices to comply with changes in applicable laws and regulatory requirements, adapt to new technologies and protocols, and align with the best practices of the industry.
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