Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is looking at the Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs) of candidates to check whether their declarations with regard to their campaign contributions are correct.

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia stated that the checking is not only focused on a certain candidate but on all those who participated in the polls. “It’s safe to say that the SOCEs are being looked at individually regarding declarations and correct declarations. It would be nice to have public statements, at least something to base it on,” he said in an interview on Thursday.

At the same time, Garcia noted that they are looking at the possibility of asking for the candidates’ Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN). “We are studying on how to make a request. Is it to the agency where the personality belongs or to the Office of the Ombudsman?” he said.

Election offense, perjury, and falsification of public documents are the possible penalties for misdeclaration in the SOCE. “The Comelec’s purpose is not to remove them. Criminal cases. Removal is up to the agencies or departments to which they belong,” the Comelec chair added.