Negros Oriental: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday reminded candidates in Negros Oriental to file their Statement of Contributions and Expenses (SOCE) immediately after the May 12 elections to avoid sanctions. Lawyer Lionel Marco Castillano, Comelec-Negros Island Region (NIR) Director, emphasized this during the Kapihan forum, highlighting that repeated non-filing of SOCE by candidates could result in perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Comelec stipulates that candidates have thirty days post-election to file their SOCE through the Comelec's e-portal. Castillano noted that some candidates, particularly those who were not successful in the elections, might neglect this obligation as they may not want to face the public again. Nevertheless, he stressed the importance for all candidates, including the winners, to comply with this requirement, as failing to do so would prevent them from assuming office.
The consequences for non-compliance escalate with each offense. The first and second offenses incur a fine that varies based on the candidate's position, but a third offense results in perpetual disqualification. Castillano referred to a case involving a former mayor in Tayasan, Negros Oriental, who now faces perpetual disqualification due to failing to file SOCE for three consecutive elections. The Comelec recently issued a decision enforcing this disqualification.
In related news, police authorities arrested two individuals in separate incidents in Negros Oriental for alleged illegal possession of a firearm and violation of the Comelec gun ban. Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO), reported that the arrests took place on Monday evening and Tuesday morning.
During an anti-illegal gambling operation at a billiard hall in Barangay Tamisu, Bais City, early Tuesday, police apprehended three suspects. Among them, a homemade "Black Widow" firearm, lacking a serial number and loaded with five caliber .22 bullets, was discovered. Earlier on Monday night, Dauin police responded to a report from a concerned citizen about an unidentified individual carrying a revolver in Barangay Bulak. Upon approaching the suspect, police identified a firearm in the suspect's possession, for which he failed to provide the necessary documentation.
