CinemaBravo

Two barangay captains from the municipality of Makato, Aklan have filed a petition before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) seeking the disqualification of Aklan 2nd District Representative Teodorico “Nonong” Haresco, Jr. over allegations of vote buying.

Barangay Tibiawan’s captain Henry Olid and Barangay Poblacion’s captain Shirly Lagradante named Haresco in the complaint, claiming they personally witnessed the alleged distribution of money at Olid’s residence in Barangay Tibiawan. The cash, according to them, was handed out in exchange for political support.

They accused one of the lawmaker’s staff members, Shiela Puod, along with her husband, Barangay Kagawad Ronilo Puod, of carrying out the distribution.

Also identified in the disqualification case were Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region VI contract of service workers Rhea Latumbo and Pinky Bunda, who were said to be present during the activity.

Olid said he was informed by a certain May Jean Puod about the activity taking place at the house of Haresco’s staff.

“Complainant Olid, together with Complainant Lagradante and others, immediately proceeded to the identified location to verify the report. Upon arrival, they personally observed Shiela Puod seated at the terrace of her residence, with bundles of one thousand-peso bills (₱1,000.00) laid out on a table, some attached with labels bearing names and photocopied voter identification cards,” the petition stated.

“Present with her were Kagawad Ronilo Puod and four other individuals who appeared to be awaiting their turn to be called,” it added.

Following the incident, police advised the complainants to have it formally recorded. A certification was subsequently issued by the Philippine National Police-Makato, Aklan.

Three witnesses who directly witnessed the vote-buying activity corroborated the complainants’ statement, saying the couple distributed P2,000 to individuals in exchange for their support for Haresco’s re-election bid.

“The payout was clearly done with the objective of influencing the outcome of the May 2025 elections. The witnesses attested that the recipients were identified based on their expected support for Respondent Haresco,” the petition stated.

Aside from the affidavits, photos, and videos of the vote-buying incident have been submitted as part of the disqualification petition.