Poll tribunal rules Aga Muhlach protest ‘sufficient in form and substance’

Aga Muhlach. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET) has authorized the collection of ballots involved in the election protest filed by actor Aga Muhlach against Felix William “Wimpy” Fuentebella who defeated him for a congressional seat the fourth district of Camarines Sur.

In a four-page resolution issued Tuesday, HRET found Muhlach’s protest “sufficient in form and substance.”

To be collected are the ballot boxes and their keys, Voters’ Registration Records/Book of Voters, Election Day Computerized Voters’ List with voting records used in the May 13 elections and other documents related to the case.

Muhlach is protesting the results of the election in 225 clustered precincts of the Municipalities of Caramoran, Garchitorena, Lagonoy, Presentacion, Sagnay, Siruna and Tinambac.

He alleged that there was massive vote buying, ballot tampering or errors in scanning and use of corrupted flashcards in the area.