Suspended Marikina mayor Teodoro questions timing of preventive order

Metro Manila, Philippines - Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro said the timing of the preventive suspension against him is questionable, noting that he didn't expect it coming on the week of the campaign kickoff for the 2025 local elections.

In an interview during his campaign on Friday, March 28, Teodoro claimed that his suspension was politically motivated, saying he was denied the right to due process.

The Ombudsman has preventively suspended Teodoro, Marikina Vice Mayor Marion Andres, and 17 others for alleged irregular use of public funds. The complainant, Sofronio Dulay, said the city’s Philippine Health Insurance funds amounting to P130 million were used for non-health purposes such as IT equipment, infrastructure repairs, donations, and several supplies.

“Kaduda-duda ang nagreklamo. Kaduda-duda ang timing,” he said in an interview with NewsWatch Plus, saying that the complainant is supposedly allied to his opponent.

[Translation: The one who complained is suspicious, and the timing is suspicious as well]

Teodoro is going against term-limited Sen. Koko Pimentel, who is seeking a congressional seat.

The senator also filed a disqualification case against Teodoro over supposed material representation, saying he did not meet the one-year minimum residency requirement. The Commission on Elections, however, said Teodoro’s name remains on the ballot, pending a ‘final and executory’ decision on the case.

The Marikina mayor said he’s not bothered by the Ombudsman order, adding his campaign goes on as he is still an eligible candidate for the congressional race.

“We’ll simply answer the allegation. We’ll present our reply. We’re confident because we have done nothing wrong. The money is still intact and it's properly utilized,” he said.