The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a Show Cause Order (SCO) to Senator Rodante Marcoleta, requiring him to explain a reported discrepancy between his declared assets and his campaign spending report.
Comelec Chairperson George Garcia confirmed on Monday that the lawmaker received the SCO, which was formally issued last Friday.
“On Friday, a show cause order was issued for his explanation regarding the discrepancy found in the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth (SALN) and Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE),” Garcia said.
The poll body chief stressed that the action is intended to seek clarity on his filings.
“Just an explanation so that the issue can be settled. Because the SOCE filed should be, everything should be laid out. What is the reason why it was not included and given to the candidate,” he added.
Marcoleta has been granted a 10-day period to submit his official reply to the Comelec through the Political Finance and Affairs Department.
Garcia noted that the commission maintains leniency regarding extensions as part of upholding due process.
Meanwhile, the Comelec is also preparing to issue a resolution this week on the separate case involving Senator Francis Escudero regarding a campaign contribution he allegedly received from a government contractor during the May 2022 polls.