MANILA, Philippines – Walang halal na opisyal ng pamahalaan ang maaaring umupo sa pwesto hangga’t hindi ito nakakapagpasa ng statement of campaign expenses sa Commission on Elections, sinabi ng Department of the Interior and Local Government nitong Lunes, Hunyo 16.
Sa pahayag, sinabi ng DILG na hindi nito kikilalanin ang pag-upo sa pwesto o maging ang anumang oath-taking ng mga opisyal na bigong makapagpasa ng SOCE.
Tinukoy ng DILG ang mandato nitong mangasiwa sa lokal na pamahalaan at ipatupad ang anumang election-related laws and policies.
“Under the law, no elected official shall be allowed to assume office until the required SOCE has been submitted in full compliance with the rules set by the Comelec,” ayon sa DILG.
“The DILG will not issue any recognition of assumption or acknowledge any oath-taking for officials who failed to meet the SOCE filing requirement,” dagdag pa.
“All regional and field offices have been instructed to coordinate with COMELEC for verification prior to acting on any assumption to office at the local level.”
Sa ilalim ng Section 14 ng Republic Act No. 7166 at Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution No. 10730, lahat ng kandidato at partido sa May 2025 elections ay obligadong maghain ng kanilang SOCEs hanggang Hunyo 11, 2025 nang walang extension.
Para sa lahat ang paghahain ng SOCE, nanalo man o natalo.
“The failure to file SOCE may also result in administrative fines for both winning and losing candidates. Repeat violations result into stiffer fines and subject the offender to perpetual disqualification to hold public office,” sinabi ng DILG.
“The DILG reiterates that full compliance with the SOCE requirement is a condition precedent to the lawful entry into public office,” dagdag pa.
“Local government units and transition teams are directed to ensure that all legal prerequisites, including the SOCE, are verified and fulfilled before proceeding with any turnover or assumption ceremonies.” RNT/JGC
