The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has recognized the Office of the Ombudsman’s suspension order against Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro and several council members over alleged fund misallocation.
In a directive issued Wednesday, DILG Secretary Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ Remulla instructed Sangguniang Panlungsod member Rommel Acuña to assume the role of acting mayor to ensure continuity of government operations.
“You (Acuña) are hereby directed to assume as Acting Mayor of Marikina City, as the highest ranking Sangguniang Panlungsod Member, to fill the temporary vacancy in the said position caused by the six-month preventive suspension imposed by the Office of the Ombudsman against the appointive and elective officials of Marikina City,” the directive stated.
The document further emphasized the need for Acuña to immediately take on the duties and functions of the mayor to prevent disruption in public service.
“Among the officials preventively suspended are the Mayor, Vice-Mayor, and 13 Sangguniang Panlungsod Members. You are therefore enjoined to immediately perform the duties and functions of the Mayor in order to prevent paralysis in government operations,” it added.
The suspension order stemmed from the alleged misallocation of P130 million in Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) funds.
Teodoro has criticized the Ombudsman’s suspension order, describing it as “political persecution” and a “calculated political attack” meant to damage his congressional bid in Marikina City.
Editor’s Note: Suspended Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro is running to represent the first district of the city in the 2025 elections, not seeking re-election as mayor. The correction in previous edition has been made.
