October 31, 2023

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos reminded Monday candidates of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) 2023 to file their Statements of Election Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) early and not wait for the deadline.

Abalos specifically advised candidates who will emerge victorious in the barangay elections today (October 30) to submit their SOCE to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to ensure their seamless proclamation.

“I-submit n’yo ang Statement of Contributions and Expenditure sa Comelec. Importante ‘yan. At huwag n’yo nang hintayin ang 30-day deadline,” Abalos said.

Based on Republic Act No. 7166 or the Synchronized National and Local Elections and Electoral Reforms Act, no elected officials may sit without filing their respective SOCE.

The SOCE is a thorough and comprehensive report about the campaign contributions and expenditures of the political candidates.

For transparency, candidates should file their SOCE to the Office of the Election Officer concerned on or before November 29, 2023, or not later than one month after the day of the election.

The DILG Chief likewise reminded winning candidates to ensure that the inventory report of the barangays’ assets and properties are legitimate and are turned over to them properly.

“It should be accepted. At i-check n’yo rin nang maigi kung ilang computer ang iniwan, ilang sasakyan. Napakaimportante nito kasi mamaya may nawawala sa inyo pa maibintang,” Abalos stressed.

Original Article at: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/Abalos-reiterates-call-to-BSKE-bets-Submit-SOCE-early-dont-wait-for-deadline/NC-2023-1221