The Commission on Elections on Thursday asked 422 government officials including 20 representatives who won in the 2013 mid term elections to vacate their positions after failing to file their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE). The Commission on Elections Chair Sixto Brillantes announced that winning candidates who failed to comply with the election rules including 4 governors, 1 vice-governors and 12 board members. Among with them are Gov. Vilma Santos, Gov. Chavit Singson, Gov. E.R. Ejercito and Gov. Amado Espino Jr. These officials should vacate their posts for violating Sec. 14 of R.A. 7166 which states that every candidate whether winning or loosing and treasurer of political party must filer their SOCE within 30 Days after the day of election. Brillantes also said the officials are not disqualified but they may only go back to their posts after complying with necessary document requirements. Brillantes noted that the elected candidates who must vacate their posts have been reminded for more than 6 months to file their SOCE, even before May 13, 2013 elections.
