DUMAGUETE CITY — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Oriental has issued a reminder to the recently declared winners of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to submit their Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE), emphasizing that failure to do so will prevent them from assuming office.
According to Philippines News Agency, acting provincial election supervisor, on Tuesday, even though newly elected officials have begun taking their oaths, their formal assumption of duty hinges on the filing of their SOCEs. The Comelec's certification of this compliance is a prerequisite for the winners to start their terms.
In separate events on Monday, some village and youth poll victors had already participated in oath-taking ceremonies. Governor Manuel L. Sagarbarria and Dumaguete Mayor Felipe Remollo both presided over these ceremonies for their respective constituencies, calling on the officials to engage in sincere public service.
Labaria noted that until the required SOCEs and other necessary documents are submitted, the incumbent officials will continue to serve in a holdover capacity. There will also be a separate inauguration for the elected Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) officials in the capital city.