Koko to Comelec: Resolve Teodoro DQ case swiftly

MANILA, Philippines — Outgoing Sen. Koko Pimentel III has called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to immediately rule on the disqualification case filed against Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro.

Teodoro’s proclamation as representative of Marikina’s first district has been suspended as the Comelec has yet to decide on his case.

Pimentel said the issue has been unresolved for months and needs final clarity, especially with the vote counting concluded.

Teodoro beat Pimentel in the congressional race.

The Comelec’s First Division disqualified Teodoro amid alleged material misrepresentation as he failed to satisfy the one-year residency requirement.

Pimentel said documents and official records showed that Teodoro had been residing in Barangay Tumana in the second district until shortly before filing his candidacy.

Teodoro maintained that he moved back to his former residence in Barangay San Roque in April 2024.

Pimentel said the case should not hinge on vote tallies, but on compliance with constitutional requirements.

“We have raised this issue since October 2024, and the Comelec First Division sided with us in December 2024,” Pimentel said.

Teodoro has appealed the Comelec decision.

Under election rules, candidates for Congress must reside in the district they seek to represent for at least one year prior to election day.