Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will be asking Senator Rodante Marcoleta to explain the supposed inconsistency in his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) for the May 2025 polls.
According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia announced that they will issue a show-cause order to the lawmaker to provide him the opportunity to clarify his side. Garcia emphasized the importance of this process, noting, “So that the senator can have a venue to explain. It is difficult on social media to know what is being said; they might say we are not taking action. So that there is a venue for explanation and to see the documents, we will issue a show-cause order. It is appropriate to do this so that we can ask him for an explanation since the report is already public.”
Garcia added that while it is not typical for Comelec to issue a motu proprio, the order is necessary for ensuring transparency and accountability. The show-cause order is expected to be issued in the coming days. When questioned on the rationale behind this decision, Garcia explained, “Because he also said that the reason why it was not included… We looked and saw that the amount mentioned as expenses is exactly that. Where it came from or how it came from, that’s what we want to know.”
Garcia also highlighted the legal obligations under the Omnibus Election Code, Section 99, which mandates candidates to report donations and expenses during the campaign period. He underscored the need for an explanation to clarify the controversy. The penalty for falsehoods in the SOCE can result in perjury, as it violates the SOCE law. “Usually, if you don’t tell the truth in the SOCE, that’s perjury. That’s under oath. Violation of the SOCE law too. But there are also many reasons or defenses that can be raised,” he stated.
Marcoleta had previously acknowledged that some campaign contributors were not disclosed at their request for anonymity. Meanwhile, Garcia shared that the commission en banc is anticipated to issue a resolution next week regarding a separate case involving Senator Francis Escudero. The case revolves around a PHP30-million donation from a government contractor to Escudero’s campaign funds for the May 2022 elections. The Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) has already submitted its recommendations, and the commission en banc members will review them. “It won’t be later than Wednesday of next week, hopefully, the Comelec will have a disposition on that matter,” Garcia noted. He had earlier recused himself from the case due to his previous representation of Escudero in past cases.
Escudero admitted to accepting campaign contributions from Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., who also reported donating the sum to support Escudero’s campaign in the May 2022 elections.
