Nagpahayag ng paniniwala si Marikina City Mayor Marcelino ‘Marcy’ Teodoro na ang preventive suspension na inisyu laban sa kaniya ng Office of the Ombudsman ay ‘politically motivated’ at bahagi ng pagsusumikap ng kaniyang mga kalaban sa politika na madiskaril ang kaniyang kandidatura sa May 12, 2025 midterm polls.
“I strongly believe that the preventive suspension issued against me is politically motivated and part of a broader effort to derail my candidacy in the May 12, 2025, midterm election,” ayon pa sa alkalde, sa isang pahayag nitong Martes ng gabi, Marso 25.
“I am a casualty of political persecution, plain and simple,” aniya pa.
Sinabi ni Teodoro na sa isang desperadong pagtatangka na dungisan ang kaniyang pangalan, siya ay sinampahan ng mga gawa-gawang kaso, na aniya ay bahagi ng political harassment laban sa kaniya.
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“In a desperate attempt to besmirch my name, they’ve filed numerous trumped-up charges against me before the Ombudsman, COA, Comelec, Civil Service, and other government agencies,” aniya pa. “This is clearly part of a pattern of political harassment aimed at me.”
Dagdag pa ni Teodoro, ang timing ng paglalabas ng suspensiyon laban sa kaniya ay kuwestiyonable dahil ito ay itinaon pa, ilang araw bago ang pagsisimula ng opisyal na campaign period sa local elections sa Biyernes, Marso 28.
“It’s hard not to see this as a calculated political attack meant to damage my name and candidacy and shake the trust we’ve built with our constituents,” aniya. “It is very obvious that there is someone behind this who sees our leadership as a threat.”
Tiniyak rin naman ni Teodoro na nananatili siyang kandidato sa nalalapit na halalan at hindi siya magpapa-intimidate sa mga taong nasa likod ng paninira laban sa kanya.
“I REMAIN A CANDIDATE in the upcoming mid-term elections. I will NOT be intimidated,” ani Teodoro.
Kumpiyansa rin naman si Teodoro n amalakas ang kanilang ebidensiya at mapatutunayan nila sa hukuman na ang mga alegasyon laban sa kanya ay walang basehan at merito.
“We are confident that we have a strong defense and will prove that these allegations have no basis or merit,” ani Teodoro.
“We will face this head-on, with full transparency and accountability,” dagdag pa niya. “We will continue our fight for good governance, a clean and honest service, and, most importantly, for every resident of Marikina who deserves better.”
Ikinalungkot rin naman ni Teodoro ang pangyayari at sinabing, “It’s unfortunate that City Hall will be left largely dysfunctional with the suspension of most city officials. I hope this won’t lead to any disruption in services for our residents.”
Hinikayat rin niya ang lahat na manatiling kalmado at mahinahon habang idinidepensa nila ang kanilang pangalan at reputasyon.
Aniya, “I urge everybody to remain calm as we will defend not just our name and reputation, but the progress we’ve worked and fought so hard to achieve together. Tuloy ang laban!”
