Congressmen and Governors Failed to Submit SOCE Are Ordered to Vacate the Office

Congressmen and governors Ordered to Vacate the Office

The Commission on Election (Comelec) has ordered 422 elected government officials no to hold office unless they comply to submit their Statement of Contribution and Expenditures (SOCE) within the time appointed as it is required by the laws.

Among the governors are: Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto, Laguna Gov. Emilio Ramon “ER Ejercito”, Ilocos Sur Ryan Luis Singson and Pangasinan Amado Espino Jr.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. noted Republic Act 7166 known as the Synchronized Election Law of 1991 as the basis for barring the 422 poll winners to assume their respective post.

“The provision in the law is very clear that says ‘poll winners should not assume office without submitting the required SOCE.’ With that reason they are to consider not to assume office and that is why we want them to vacate their post,” Brillantes explained in a press briefing yesterday.

The Comelect will implement the law and order the 422 officials elected in the May 13 election to leave the post until they comply and submit necessary documents as the law requires financial disclosure.

Brillantes said that this was not implemented during the previous elections but at this time the Comelec will implement and they cannot disregard because it will be implemented, he said.

Brillantes said that the Comelec had communicated with Sec. Manuel Roxas and Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. for assistance in implementing the law that officials will be enforced to vacate their respective offices.