Repeated failure to disclose campaign money brings perpetual ban from public office
COTABATO CITY (October 1) — FOUR former candidates have been permanently barred from holding public office after repeatedly failing to account for their campaign contributions and expenditures, the Commission on Elections said Wednesday.
The Comelec ruled against Mokalid Samama Baganian, Jackaria Daud Askali, Jerson Tao-on Albiva and Dadtungan Ampatuan Mamasapano in separate cases filed by its Political Finance and Affairs Department.
Their cases underscore that the obligation to account for campaign money does not end with an election—or with losing a race. Under Section 14 of Republic Act 7166, every candidate is required to submit a full, true and itemized Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) within 30 days after an election. A second or subsequent failure carries an administrative fine and perpetual disqualification from public office.
Four candidates, multiple elections
Albiva failed to file SOCEs for his 2016 bid for Sangguniang Panlungsod member in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, and his 2022 bid for Sangguniang Bayan member in Alegria, Surigao del Norte. He was fined ₱15,000 for the first violation and ₱20,000 for the second.
Mamasapano failed to submit SOCEs for his 2013 Sangguniang Bayan bid in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, and a subsequent Sangguniang Panlalawigan bid. The fines were ₱10,000 and ₱40,000, respectively.
Baganian was cited for failing to file SOCEs for his 2013 Sangguniang Bayan bid in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao, and his 2022 Sangguniang Panlalawigan bid. He was fined ₱10,000 and ₱40,000.
Askali failed to file SOCEs for his 2016 and 2022 Sangguniang Bayan candidacies in Parang, Sulu, drawing fines of ₱10,000 and ₱20,000.
Comelec has repeatedly reminded candidates—whether winners, losers or those who withdraw—that filing a SOCE is a legal obligation. The Supreme Court has likewise ruled that the requirement applies to every candidate and that repeated failure can justify perpetual disqualification.
Accountability beyond the ballot
The SOCE requirement is intended to leave a record of where campaign money came from and how it was spent. Comelec rules provide that these statements form part of public records and may be inspected, subject to applicable rules on access.
That makes repeated non-filing more than a paperwork issue: it prevents the election system from obtaining the financial disclosure required by law.
The four rulings therefore put a clear consequence behind campaign-finance rules: seeking public office carries a continuing obligation to account for campaign funds, and repeated failure to do so can permanently close the door to another candidacy.
