6 bets banned from running in elections

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has disqualified six political candidates from seeking elective positions after they failed to file the required statement of contributions and expenditures (SOCE).

The Comelec political finance and affairs department (PFAD) filed the petition for disqualification against Gene Alamani, Jino Alcantara, Ma. Brenda Amosco, Luisito Angeles, Emilio Arnaez and Andy Mantaring.

Acting on the petition of the PFAD, the Comelec First Division perpetually disqualified the six respondents from holding public office.

The poll body said Arnaez failed to file his SOCEs after he ran for city councilor in 2019 and mayor in 2022 in Tanjay, Negros Oriental.

Alcantara ran as municipal councilor in Cainta, Rizal in the 2022 elections.

Angeles ran for councilor in Bocaue, Bulacan in 2007 and 2013, and failed to submit his SOCEs.

Amosco ran for councilor in Arteche, Eastern Samar during the 2013 and 2022 elections, and Alamani for a similar position in Dinalungan, Aurora in 2010 and 2022.

Mantaring ran for municipal councilor in Buenavista, Marinduque during the 2007 and 2010 elections.

Aside from perpetual disqualification, the Comelec ordered the six to pay administrative fines.