Photo credit: Maan Teodoro

It’s a major shake-up in Marikina City’s leadership. Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro, along with Vice Mayor Marion Andres and more than 10 city councilors, has been slapped with a six-month preventive suspension by the Office of the Ombudsman. The suspension stems from multiple criminal and administrative complaints, including malversation, technical malversation, grave misconduct, and violations of anti-graft laws.

Why Were They Suspended?

The complaint was filed by Sofronio Dulay, citing alleged irregularities in the local government’s financial transactions. The Ombudsman’s order, issued on March 21, 2025, affects several key figures in Marikina’s government, including the city treasurer, city accountant, and assistant city budget officer. The suspension will last for six months, without pay, while the cases are being investigated.

Despite any appeals or motions that may be filed, the suspension remains in effect unless overturned by a higher court. The Ombudsman also clarified that if delays in resolving the case arise due to the officials’ own actions, the suspension period may be extended beyond six months.

Who Else Is Affected?

Aside from Mayor Teodoro and Vice Mayor Andres, the following officials are also suspended:
• City Treasurer: Nerissa Calvez San Miguel
• City Accountant: Erlinda Gutierrez Gonzales
• Assistant City Budget Officer: Jason Rodriguez Nepomuceno
• Sangguniang Panlungsod Secretary: Noralyn Tingcungco
• City Councilors:
• Angelito R. Nuñez
• Joseph B. Banzon
• Donn Carlo B. Favis
• Loreto F. Tolentino Jr.
• Serafin Y. Bernardino
• Carl Eli E. Africa
• Cloyd S. Casimiro
• Marife T. Dayao
• Levy D. De Guzman
• Romina Kate N. De Guzman
• Samuel S. Ferriol
• Hilario A. Punzalan
• Manuel E. Sarmiento

What Happens Next?

With the city’s top officials sidelined, the Marikina local government will need to reorganize and ensure services continue smoothly. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) may appoint temporary replacements to prevent disruptions in governance.

As of now, Mayor Teodoro and the suspended officials have yet to release a statement regarding the Ombudsman’s decision. It remains to be seen whether they will challenge the order in court or comply with the suspension while awaiting the resolution of their cases.