Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday warned candidates in the May 12 midterm elections against submitting “untruthful” Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs). In an interview, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said filing inaccurate SOCEs could lead to charges. “If you file SOCEs with discrepancy and are untruthful, you can face charges of falsification and perjury. Those are violations of the law,” Garcia said.

According to Philippines News Agency, under Republic Act No. 7166, every candidate and political party must file their “full, true and itemized” SOCEs within 30 days after election day. Failure to file the SOCE may result in administrative fines against concerned candidates and political parties. Repeat offenders shall also be subject to perpetual disqualification to hold public office, according to the law. For this year, the deadline for the submission of SOCEs is on June 11. Comelec said it will not be extended. “We are reminding all candidates, winners or losers, that you are all mandated to file your SOCEs,” Garcia said.