By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
Reelectionist Aklan 2nd District Rep. Teodorico “Nonong” Haresco Jr. is facing a disqualification case over alleged vote-buying ahead of the midterm elections.
The petition was filed before the Commission on Elections on April 30 by two barangay captains from Makato, Aklan.
Barangay Captains Henry Olid of Tibiawan and Shirly Mationg Lagradante of Poblacion alleged that on the evening of April 23, 2025, they personally witnessed Haresco’s staff member, Shiela Puod, and her husband, Barangay Kagawad Ronilo Puod, distributing cash at their home in Barangay Tibiawan.
According to the complaint, individuals received PHP2,000 each in exchange for pledging support for Haresco’s reelection.
“We were told it will be a payout,” Lagradante said in an interview.
“We were surprised because it was conducted at the residence of his staff member,” she added.
Lagradante, who also serves as Liga ng mga Barangay president in the town, denied having any political backer.
She said they were fulfilling their responsibility as elected officials and held no personal grudge against Haresco.
“We’re just doing our job—not only for our barangays, but for the entire district,” she said.
She also emphasized that they are unafraid of threats, stressing their duty to report illegal activity to help ensure a fair election.
The petition includes affidavits from three witnesses who corroborated the vote-buying claims, stating that cash recipients were chosen based on their expected support for Haresco.
Photos and videos submitted as evidence reportedly show bundles of PHP1,000 bills on a table, some labeled with names and photocopied voter IDs.
Also named in the complaint are Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Western Visayas contract of service workers Rhea Latumbo and Pinky Bunda, who were allegedly present during the distribution.
Haresco, who has represented Aklan’s 2nd District since its creation in 2019, has not issued a public statement on the matter.
He is running against his cousin and former ally, Florencio “Joeben” Miraflores, in the upcoming election.
Joeben, alongside his son, reelectionist Aklan Gov. Jose Enrique “Joen” Miraflores, and other candidates under local political party Tibyog Akean, is also facing a separate disqualification case for alleged vote-buying.
They are accused of using government resources during a political motorcade held on March 28, the start of the local campaign period.
That petition was filed jointly by Francilito Castro of Buruanga and Neil Fernandez of Batan on April 11.
