LUNA, Apayao – Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Apayao Chapter (IBP-Apayao) officers led by its President Atty. Zaide Ravelo held an online meeting last November 9, 2023, and discussed the alarming issue circulating in the province about the alleged excessive charging in the preparation and notarization of Statement of Contribution and Expenditures (SOCE) of candidates who ran in the just concluded 2023 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
Ravelo called the attention of all IBP Apayao Chapter officers and pressed for an urgent meeting to clarify the above rumors and to address it accordingly so as not to give bad light to the commissioned notaries in Apayao for the alleged intemperate fees.
Some officers received first-hand information that the packaged deal for the preparation, provision of CD and notarization of SOCE of a candidate amounts to P2,000.
So as not to burden further the candidates, more so those who unfortunately lost the election, the officers have committed to observe the implementation of the previously promulgated Apayao standardized minimum fees in the notarization of documents in the province. So far, no amendments made yet with said agreed minimum fees.
For the meantime, Ravelo said the issue of alleged inappropriate charges shall be verified and/or validated with the Commission on Election.
IBP Apayao shall be posting announcements so the public may know about any development of the said issue. By JCM
