Comelec Launches Comprehensive SOCE Verification Process
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Thursday, November 13, 2025, that it is conducting a thorough review of all Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs) filed by candidates and political parties following the May 2025 elections. Comelec Chairman George Garcia revealed that the poll body's Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) is examining whether all declarations made in these documents are truthful and complete.
Individual Scrutiny of Election Financial Reports
In an exclusive interview, Chairman Garcia emphasized that each SOCE is being reviewed individually to verify the accuracy of declared contributions and campaign spending. "We are looking at each SOCE individually regarding the declarations and whether they are accurate," Garcia stated in a mix of English and Filipino.
The Comelec chief warned that candidates found to have made wrongful declarations in their SOCEs may face serious legal consequences. Possible charges include election offense, perjury, and falsification of public documents - all criminal offenses that carry significant penalties.
Marcoleta Case Triggers Heightened Scrutiny
The Comelec's announcement comes amid growing questions surrounding Senator Rodante Marcoleta's SOCE filing. According to documents, Marcoleta reported receiving zero contributions (P0) while declaring campaign expenditures totaling P112,857,951.44 during the May 2025 polls.
This has raised eyebrows among election watchdogs, particularly because Marcoleta's Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) shows a net worth of P51.9 million. The substantial discrepancy between his declared spending and personal wealth has prompted the Comelec to investigate the matter further.
Marcoleta previously explained that friends donated funds for his campaign but he intentionally did not declare these contributions to honor the donors' request for anonymity.
Due Process and Investigation Protocols
Chairman Garcia stressed that any candidate or public official under investigation would be given proper opportunity to explain their situation. "If it reaches that point, the candidate or public official should be given an avenue to explain themselves. It is only right that there is a presumption of innocence. There should be formality in the investigation," Garcia affirmed.
The Comelec is currently studying the proper procedure to obtain an official copy of Marcoleta's SALN, determining whether the request should be made through the agency where the personality belongs or directly through the Office of the Ombudsman.
Garcia acknowledged that any investigation involving Marcoleta or other candidates would proceed more efficiently if a formal petition is filed. He clarified that while Comelec's primary role is to file criminal cases, the actual removal from office would fall under the jurisdiction of the respective agencies or departments to which the officials belong.
The comprehensive SOCE review represents Comelec's strengthened commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in campaign financing, a crucial aspect of maintaining the integrity of the Philippine electoral process.
