Marikina residents back Teodoro

MANILA, Philippines — Marikina residents have denounced what they described as political attacks against Rep. Marcelino Teodoro, saying the complaints filed against the lawmaker lack sufficient basis.

The Samahan ng mga Angkan sa Marikina, a group representing 50 clans in the city, said the accusations have frustrated families and communities who have known Teodoro for years.

“These cases against Congressman Marcy Teodoro are bogus and have no basis,” the group said, describing the complaints as an attempt to bring down the lawmaker.

The group said the allegations would not erase Teodoro’s long-standing ties with Marikina families and communities.

The residents also called for an end to what they described as political attacks, saying Marikina should remain a “city defined by dignity and respect.”

Teodoro’s lawyer Alma Mallonga, meanwhile, questioned the validity of a resolution issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with the complaints.

Mallonga said the complaints have been investigated by a DOJ panel composed of Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Anna Noreen Denavadera and Assistant State Prosecutor Ruth Anne Zamora.

“There were hearings. The investigation was completed more than seven months ago. That is why it is surprising that a resolution was issued that was neither prepared nor signed by the DOJ panel that conducted the investigation. Instead, it was prepared and signed by another state prosecutor,” Mallonga said in an interview over dzMM.

The DOJ on Tuesday indicted Teodoro for four counts of sexual assault and one count of acts of lasciviousness over complaints filed by two policewomen who previously served as his security personnel.

The sexual assault charges were filed before the Marikina Regional Trial Court. The acts of lasciviousness were lodged before the Metropolitan Trial Court.