Laguna lawmaker’s victory in 2022 polls upheld

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET) has upheld the victory of Rep. Maria Jamina Katherine Agarao of the fourth district of Laguna in the May 2022 elections.

In a decision promulgated on Jan. 23, the HRET dismissed a petition filed by Antonio Carolino, who lost to Agarao by a narrow margin of 276 votes.

Carolino filed the petition on July 6, 2022, claiming widespread election irregularities, including missing ballots, faulty voting machines, vote-buying and voter disenfranchisement.

Agarao denied Carolino’s allegations.

Carolino requested a recount of ballots in all 660 clustered precincts covering the fourth district.

The HRET conducted a recount, which concluded in February 2024, and found no significant matter that could alter the outcome of the elections.

After reviewing the result of the recount and official statements of votes from the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the electoral tribunal ruled that Agarao received 153,753 votes while Carolino garnered 153,477.

The HRET declared that Agarao’s proclamation as representative of the fourth district of Laguna is valid.

It asked the Comelec to investigate possible violation of election laws, particularly the alleged tampering of ballots in certain precincts in the town of Sta. Maria.