7 hours ago
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A PETITION filed before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) sought to disqualify Aklan 2nd District Rep. Teodorico Haresco Jr. from the May 2025 elections over allegations of systematic vote-buying, backed by video evidence and sworn affidavits detailing cash distributions at a staff member's residence.
The petition, spearheaded by village leaders Henry Olid of Tibiawan and Shirly Mationg Lagradante of Poblacion, Makato, alleged that Haresco and his associates violated key provisions of the Omnibus Election Code, including vote-buying, misuse of public funds, coercion of subordinates and fraudulent electoral practices.
At the heart of the allegations is a cash distribution event on April 23, 2025, at the residence of Shiela Puod, a staff member of Haresco, and her husband, Barangay Kagawad Ronilo Puod. Witnesses claimed P1,000 bills were handed out in exchange for pledges to vote for Haresco with recipients required to present a photocopy of their voter ID.
The complainants submitted evidence, including video footage showing Puod handling cash and voter documents while explicitly instructing attendees to support Haresco. Photographs of the scene depict money laid out on a table alongside lists of names. Three witnesses provided sworn affidavits confirming they received P2,000 each, with one revealing they were denied payment after admitting support for a rival candidate.
Two employees from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 6 — Rhea Latumbo and Pinky Bunda — were allegedly present during the distribution, raising concerns about the misuse of government personnel for electoral manipulation.
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The petitioners argued that regardless of whether the funds were private or public, the act constitutes a disqualifying offense. Under Section 68 of the Omnibus Election Code, candidates found guilty of such violations may be barred from running or holding office.The case is now under preliminary review. If found sufficient in form and substance, it may proceed to a full investigation by the poll body.
The Manila Times reached out to the camp of Haresco for comment but it has yet to issue a formal response.
