Deadline passes without filings by candidates; Comelec raises concerns

Davao City's Local Candidates Face the Heat for SOCE Non-Compliance

Former President Rodrigo Duterte, alongside Jonathan Julaine and Joselito Tan, found themselves in hot water with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) after failing to submit their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SoCE) before the June 11, 2025 deadline. This revelation came from the Comelec's Davao City office, which confirmed only two mayoral candidates - Bishop Rodolfo "Rod" Cubos and Karlo Alexei Nograles - had submitted their SOCE as of June 13.

But fear not, fellow Davaoeños, as many other candidates did comply. All vice mayoral candidates-Bernie Al-ag, Richard Algebra, Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, and Rhodora Barcena-filed their statements. In the first district congressional race, Paolo "Pulong" Duterte, Janet Jabines, Rex Labi, Maria Victoria Ignacia "Mags" Maglana, and Margarita Ignacia "Migs" Nograles all complied, as did candidates Omar Vincent Duterte, Melogen Montesclaros, and Augusto Javier III Campos in the second district, and Wilberto Al-ag and Isidro Ungab in the third district.

Many councilor candidates from the third district, such as Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique Advincula, Ritchelle Joy Al-ag, Jose Marie Baluran, Ramon Bargamento, Ramil Fernando Brucal, Michael Jhon Cabalhin, Ricky Castillote, Carmelo Clarion, Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, and Efren Echalico, also filed their SoCE. Alas, names of councilor candidates from districts 1 and 2 were not released, but Comelec-Davao reported that 95% of candidates in these districtscomplied.

But don't let the numbers fool ya, my friends. Fines and possible disqualification await those who fail to comply with the mandatory SOCE filing. As per Comelec-Davao's Third District Election Officer and Board of Canvassers Chairperson Atty. Shajani Ebrahim, non-compliance is considered an election offense and may result in hefty fines. The exact fine amount varies depending on the position and whether it's a first or second offense, but rest assured, it's a substantial sum that Comelec strictly enforces. Candidates who fail to comply will not be allowed to assume office until all requirements are met.

So, what are you waiting for, candidates? Shoo-fly, get that SoCE filed and grab that Certificate of Formal Compliance before you can shake hands with your new office mates. And don't forget, once you've got that coveted certificate, a smashing election victory party can commence!

Meanwhile, former President Duterte has been busy dodging charges in The Hague since March 11, 2025, related to his alleged crimes against humanity during his presidency. RGP with reports from PNA

Note: Failure to comply with the filing of the SoCE has penalties such as fines and possible disqualification, as well as being barred from assuming office until all requirements are met. The exact fine for first-time local candidates is determined by Comelec guidelines, with the main immediate penalty being unable to officially take office without a Certificate of Formal Compliance.

In Davao City, certain local candidates, including former President Rodrigo Duterte, are facing penalties for non-compliance with the mandatory filing of their Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SoCE).
The failure to submit the SoCE on time can result in fines, disqualification, and a ban on assuming office until all requirements are met, as reported by the Comelec's Davao City office.
Political news in Davao City continues to focus on the forthcoming elections, with policy-and-legislation issues taking a backseat as candidates scramble to comply with election deadlines, such as the SoCE filing.