Mayors seek fair hearing for Teodoro

MANILA, Philippines — A group of local chief executives is backing suspended Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro, asking for a fair and transparent hearing on his case.

The ombudsman ordered the suspension of Teodoro for six months, days before the start of the campaign period for local candidates.

The Mayors for Good Governance or M4GG said Teodoro should be given a chance to air his side on the allegations hurled against him.

Composed of 150 local chief executives, the M4GG said it is confident that justice would prevail for Teodoro, who serves as one of the group’s convenors.

On March 21, the ombudsman suspended Teodoro, Vice Mayor Marion Andres and other Marikina officials without pay in connection with the alleged misuse of P130 million in Philippine Health Insurance Corp. funds.

Teodoro maintained his innocence, saying the suspension order was a “clear political persecution.”

On Wednesday, the Commission on Elections said Teodoro can still run as representative of the city's first district in the midterm elections in May.

Councilors Rommel Acuna and Ronnie Acuna took over as acting Marikina mayor and vice mayor, respectively.

They assumed the posts in compliance with the directive of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.