Aldan’s attorney, Robert T. Torres, at the same time expressed concern over the decision of Associate Judge David Wiseman to compel a disqualified voter to reveal her vote in open court.
“[Revealing votes cast] sends chilling effects to voters. It’s not provided in the statutes. It does not protect the integrity of the votes,” Torres said.
“It’s the law,” said Rebuenog’s counsel, Richard W. Pierce, referring to the court’s ruling to reveal votes cast by disqualified voters.
Assistant Attorney General Mike Ernest, who represented the Commonwealth Election Commission, said the electorate still have confidence in the election process.
“The only interest of the AG and election commission is for a clean and fair elections,” Ernest said.
So far 12 voters have been called and their eligibility challenged in court.
A voter, the last witness be called yesterday afternoon, could not believe that she was being compelled by the court to reveal her vote shortly after she was disqualified.
She had to look many times at Wiseman and at Rebuenog and Aldan who were seated in the gallery.
After taking deep breath, the disqualified voter said she voted for Rebuenog.
When sought for comment after the hearing, she expressed disgust for what she described as an ongoing “stupidity” in the courtroom.
She said she could not believe she had to reveal who she voted for, particularly in front of her relatives.
As of yesterday, despite the disqualification of 10 voters, Aldan was still leading Rebuenog, 64-63.
Pierce had summoned more than 21 voters.
Wiseman will continue hearing tomorrow morning.
