MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc has reaffirmed the perpetual disqualification of former senator Sergio “Serge” Osmeña III from seeking public office due to his failure to submit Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs) for the 2010 and 2016 elections.
In a 16-page decision dated April 3 and released Friday (04 Apr 2025), the seven-member en banc denied Osmeña’s motion for reconsideration, citing lack of merit. The ruling upholds the Comelec Second Division’s January 24, 2020 decision, which imposed both an administrative fine and a lifetime ban from public office.
“Prudence and fairness dictate that Respondent cannot evade liability for his own delay and/or inaction. Compliance with SOCE requirements is mandated for all candidates regardless of the magnitude of their expenditure. Respondent cannot be exempted from this duty,” the decision stated.
The poll body noted that Osmeña failed to provide sufficient evidence to overturn the ruling and had been given multiple opportunities to file the required SOCEs.
Comelec emphasized that the SOCE submission requirement is crucial in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and upholding the electorate’s will.
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