Short link: https://wp.me/paaccn-GNj
MARIKINA CITY — The chief executive of this urban enclave, Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro on Wednesday, August 21, decried the complaint against him which he described as possibly “to be part of a broader pattern of politicking and harassment aimed at Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG).”
He issued a statement that reached SDN — SciTech & Digital News to this effect, citing other municipal chief executives as having the same problem.
“This complaint appears to be part of a broader pattern of political harassment and smear attacks. We are seeing similar tactics used against other members of Mayors for Good Governance, including Mayor Benjie Magalong of Baguio City, Mayor Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City, and Mayor Vico Sotto of Pasig City, who have also recently faced similar challenges,” the mayor of Marikina, popularly known as the “Shoe Capital of the Philippines,” says in apparent frustration.
The local chief executive raised concerns about the timing of a case filed against him before the Office of the Ombudsman, noting that it coincides with the upcoming filing period of Certificates of Candidacy (COC) for the scheduled national, regional, and local elections in May 2025.
“The complaint filed against me and other city officials coincides with the upcoming filing of candidacy for the next elections. It’s hard to ignore the timing of this, as it raises some serious questions about the motivations behind it,” he laments.
Teodoro clarified that the PhilHealth funds in question –funds that were reimbursed during the pandemic — remain intact and fully accounted for, as confirmed by audits conducted in previous years.
“While anyone can file a complaint with the Ombudsman, we must question the integrity of those who initiated this case. The allegations made are entirely baseless and unfounded. The funds in question remain intact and fully accounted for, as confirmed by previous audits. Given this, it is difficult to see how there could be any malversation or any violation of the law,” he says.
He called for an investigation that is both fair and impartial, ensuring the facts are what determine the outcome.
“In the pursuit of public service, of standing up for what’s right, of governing with integrity — is often met with resistance. But I’m calling for a fair and impartial investigation, one that lets the facts speak for themselves,” he adds.
“And I want the people of Marikina to know that my commitment to good governance, to the well-being of our community, remains as strong as ever.”
Meanwhile, the M4GG has strongly denounced politically motivated attacks against several of its members ahead of the 2025 elections.
M4GG says complaints an opportunity for truth to come out
“Ipinapahayag ng Mayors for Good Governance ang buong suporta at tiwala sa ating mga convenor na sina Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, at gayundin kay Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas,” the movement assures in a statement.
(Translation: The Mayors for Good Governance expresses its full support and trust for our convenors Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, and also Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.)
“Ang mga isinampang reklamo laban sa kanila sa Ombudsman ay pagkakataon upang lumabas ang katotohanan at malinis ang kanilang mga pangalan. Ngunit hindi natin isinasantabi na ang mga ito ay pamumulitika at panggigipit sa kanila lalo na’t pumapalapit na ang Filing of Candidacies para sa Halalan 2025,” it emphasizes.
(The sworn complaints against them in the Ombudsman is an opportunity for the truth to come out and clear their names. But we are not discounting that these are politicking and harassment against them, especially that the Filing of — Certificates of — Candidacies for Election 2025 is approaching.)
The group stood by its members’ credibility, highlighting their proven track record as public servants.
“Bilang isang samahan na isinusulong ang mabuting pamamahala at paglaban sa katiwalian, palagi namin pinapahalagahan ang transparency at accountability. Ang tatlong alkalde ay nagpamalas at patuloy isinasabuhay ang mga prinsipyong ito,” it said.
(Translation: As a group that advances good governance and the fight against corruption, we always uphold transparency and accountability. The three mayors have shown and continue to embody these principles.)
“Umaasa kami na magiging patas ang imbestigasyon at sa huli, ang tama at mabuti ang mananaig. Patuloy tayong titindig, lalabanan ang mali, at isusulong ang ikabubuti para sa mga Pilipino.”
(Translation: We are hopeful that investigation would be fair and, in the end, right and good will prevail. We will continue to stand, fight wrong, and advance what’s good for the Filipinos.)
Sotto faces graft complaints about his alleged failure to distribute cash allowances to Pasig City Hall employees and accusations of granting illegal discounts to a telecommunications provider.
Teodoro has been accused of technical malversation in connection with alleged misuse of the Philhealth fund.
Meanwhile, Treñas faces grave misconduct charges before the Office of the Ombudsman concerning the demolition of the historic Iloilo City public market. (♤)