Manila: Five national candidates in the May 12 midterm elections have filed their Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs). Data provided by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday revealed that losing candidate Vic Rodriguez, the first executive secretary of the Marcos administration, was the first to submit his SOCE on May 23.

According to Philippines News Agency, the party-list groups Abono, Abante Pangasinan-Ilokano, 1-Pacman, and Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas followed Rodriguez in submitting their respective SOCEs. All candidates, political parties, and party-list groups are mandated to file their SOCEs within 30 days from the date of elections, with the deadline set for June 11.

The Comelec's Political Finance and Affairs Department has made clear that SOCEs filed beyond the deadline will not be accepted. Failure to file SOCE may result in fines for a first offense and perpetual disqualification for repeat offenders.

The submission of SOCEs is permitted on weekdays and Saturdays, including holidays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. SOCEs must be filed in the prescribed number of hard copies and accompanied by a soft or electronic copy in PDF and Excel format. However, submissions via registered mail, electronic mail, courier, or messenger services are not allowed.

"The notarized SOCE shall be personally signed by the candidate or by the party treasurer of the political party and party-list," the Comelec stated.