Teodoros deny buying votes in Marikina

MANILA, Philippines — Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro and his wife, city first district Rep. Marjorie Ann Teodoro, yesterday refuted allegations of vote buying.

The Teodoros, who are seeking to swap posts in the upcoming midterm elections, said the complaint filed against them with the Commission on Elections was politically motivated.

They said the complainant is a known supporter of their political rival.

The Teodoros allegedly distributed P2,000 to residents during ayuda payouts in exchange for votes.

“The complainant is openly identified with our opponent, which speaks volumes about the intent,” the couple said in a statement.

They also questioned the timing of the filing of the complaint, which they described as a last resort to distract voters and derail their candidacy.

“We urge Marikina residents to not believe unsubstantiated allegations,” the mayor said.

Teodoro is running for representative of Marikina’s first district.

His wife is running for mayor against second district Rep. Stella Quimbo.