Marikina mayor, 18 others suspended over alleged P130M fund misuse

Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro and 18 other city officials, including Vice Mayor Marion Andres, have been suspended for six months by the Office of the Ombudsman.

The suspension stems from alleged misallocation of P130 million worth of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation funds, which were reallocated to IT equipment and infrastructure repair instead of intended health purposes.

Mayor Teodoro approved the reallocation through an ordinance on September 8, 2023, and claims the suspension is politically motivated and intended to block his congressional bid.

Despite the suspension, Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia stated that Teodoro will remain a candidate for Marikina's first congressional district in the May 12 midterm polls as there is no final court judgment against him.

Garcia added that Teodoro's name will remain on the ballots, can be voted upon, and he can be proclaimed if he wins, though the suspension will affect his position as city mayor.

The suspension order, dated March 25, was released on March 25, with the complaints filed by Marikina resident Sofronio Dulay.

Vice Mayor Andres and 11 suspended councilors stated they were not officially notified of Dulay's complaint.