Comelec to post candidates’ election spending, contributions online

June 12, 2025 , 08:35 PM

(June 12, 2025) – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday announced plans to make the Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs) of all candidates in this year’s midterm polls publicly accessible online.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said the poll body is coordinating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in publishing the SOCEs. The Comelec is aiming to upload the documents to a separate website within the next two weeks.

“Ilang linggo na ang nakalilipas, tayo po ay nakipag-ugnayan sa DICT sapagkat ‘yun pong lahat ng sistema na ginagamit ng Comelec, kinakailangan ng prior consent, approval ng DICT. At therefore ‘yung program tungkol sa paglalathala ng mga SOCE ay nasa DICT pa sa kasalukuyan,” said Garcia.

The poll body chairperson said they are still waiting for local Comelec offices to submit the SOCEs from local candidates, which will also be included on the platform.

“Ine-expect natin sana hanggang bukas magbigay na ng go signal sa’tin (and DICT) upang by next week, maisa-isa namin na mailagay na at ma-download ‘yung SOCE ng mga kandidato sa national,” added Garcia.

Under the law, all candidates and political party treasurers must submit their SOCEs within 30 days after the elections. The deadline was June 11.

Comelec said late submissions will no longer be accepted.

While fines for violators range from P5,000 to P10,000, Garcia stressed that the issue is not just about the penalty.

“Sinasabi ng Supreme Court, ‘pag hindi nag-file ng SOCE ng dalawang magkasunod na eleksyon, ‘yan ay puwede maging ground ng perpetual disqualification to hold public office,” he said.

Garcia said five out of 66 senatorial candidates have yet to file their SOCEs but declined to name them.

(With reports from Kari Cator, News5 correspondent)

(CMZ)

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