Teodoro files perjury raps vs 2 policewomen

MANILA, Philippines — Marikina First District Rep. Marcelino Teodoro yesterday filed perjury complaints against two policewomen assigned as his close-in security when he was mayor, who accused him of rape by sexual assault and acts of lasciviousness.

Alma Mallonga, lawyer for Teodoro, said the charges were filed against the policewomen before the Manila prosecutor’s office for allegedly fabricating stories to tarnish the lawmaker’s name.

“Congressman Teodoro charged his accusers who falsely claimed that he committed various acts of sexual abuse against them,” Mallonga said.

She maintained that the complaints filed against Teodoro before the Department of Justice were baseless, saying the accusers admitted that they had no evidence to support their allegations.

“Several witnesses testified that Congressman Teodoro had never been alone with the complainants. There was no opportunity for him to have committed the crimes they impute. This means they perjured themselves,” Mallonga said.

Under Republic Act 11594, perjury is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. If the offender is a public officer, the penalty may reach up to 12 years, with a fine of up to P1 million and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

According to Mallonga, the policewomen continued to report for duty after the alleged sexual incidents transpired.

“They interacted with their colleagues even on the same day they claim to have been sexually abused,” she said.

Mallonga said there was no rape, adding that the complaints against Teodoro were filed only to “smear his reputation.”

“As the complainants themselves admitted, no force or intimidation was employed upon them. They were not threatened, they were not harmed. Congressman Teodoro had no weapons,” Mallonga said, noting that the policewomen carried their own service firearms.

Mallonga said Teodoro would pursue the perjury case against the female police officers.

“In the end, he is confident that the truth will prevail,” Mallonga said. “False claims of rape harm everyone, especially women who are true victims of the crime.”

Teodoro expressed confidence that the charges filed against him would be dismissed, but stressed that those who lied under oath should be held accountable.

“I am confident that I will obtain justice and that these fabricated complaints will be dismissed. But those who lied must be punished,” Teodoro said. “The justice system should never be used as a weapon by those with malicious intent to destroy the innocent.”

Convinced that the accusations against him were politically motivated, Teodoro appealed for an end to “dirty politics.”

“It is heartbreaking that we have come to a point where ambition prevails over truth and decency –
where some people no longer fear God, only losing power,” he said. — Delon Porcalla