Barangay Leaders File DQ Case vs Aklan Rep. Haresco for Alleged Vote Buying

Two barangay captains from Makato, Aklan, have filed a disqualification petition before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) against incumbent Aklan 2nd District Rep. Teodorico “Nonong” Haresco, Jr. for alleged vote buying.

In their petition for disqualification against Rep. Haresco, Henry Olid and Shirly Lagradante, barangay captains of Tibiawan and Poblacion, respectively, claimed they personally witnessed the lawmaker’s staff member, Shiela Puod, and her husband, Barangay Kagawad Ronilo Puod, carrying out distribution of cash in exchange for political support at their residence in Barangay Tibiawan. 

Also named in the complaint were Shiela and Ronilo Puod and Department of Social Welfare and Development-Region VI contract of service workers Rhea Latumbo and Pinky Bunda, who were present during the said 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.