Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will look into the Statement of Contribution and Expenditures (SOCE) of Senator Rodante Marcoleta amid concerns raised by an election watchdog group. ‘Everything must be declared,’ Comelec Chairperson George Garcia stated in a message to the Philippine News Agency when asked if an anonymous donor should have been declared.
According to Philippines News Agency, Danilo Arao, convenor of the group Kontra Daya, expressed that Marcoleta’s explanation for not declaring campaign donors raises more questions than answers. Marcoleta had reportedly refused to name names and identified possible donors as ‘anonymous.’
Arao highlighted the importance of truthfulness in official documents, noting that the SOCE form includes a certification that all information contained is true and correct. He criticized Marcoleta’s declaration of zero contributions as neither true nor correct. Arao argued that claiming ‘friends’ prefer to remain anonymous is an excuse to avoid transparency, and emphasized that both Comelec and the Senate should investigate the matter.
Arao underscored the seriousness of the issue, suggesting that the SOCE form was not truthfully filled out based on Marcoleta’s statement. Kontra Daya is considering all options, including the possibility of filing a case. Marcoleta explained that his campaign contributors requested anonymity and challenged critics to point out any laws he allegedly violated.
