Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro (File photo / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has recognized the suspension order issued by the Office of the Ombudsman against Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro and other city officials in connection with the alleged misallocation of P130 million in Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) funds.
In a letter addressed to the Marikina City local government on Wednesday, the DILG said it had already received a copy of the order from the Ombudsman dated March 21.听
鈥淭he Department formally recognizes the order of preventive suspension issued by the Office of the Ombudsman. In compliance with the rule of law, we urge adherence to said order to uphold the integrity of administrative processes within your local government,鈥� the letter signed by Atty. Romeo Benitez, DILG legal and legislative affairs undersecretary, stated.
鈥淚n light of the situation, the Department also affirms its commitment to ensuring that the rules on succession in cases of temporary vacancies within local government positions are properly operationalized in accordance with Administrative Order (AO) No. 15 and DILG MC (memorandum circular) No. 2019-21,鈥� it adds.听
The AO authorizes the DILG chief to 鈥渇ill temporary vacancies in certain local elective offices to prevent hiatus in and paralysis of local government operations.鈥�
Meanwhile, the DILG circular outlines 鈥渙perational guidelines and rules in the implementing Administrative Order No. 15, Series of 2018, regarding the process, requirements, and procedures for filling temporary vacancies in the Sangguniang barangay.鈥�
鈥淲e trust that all local officials, as well as city employees, will adhere to the prescribed procedures in the interest of maintaining good governance and stability in the local government,鈥� the letter further said.听
鈥淔urthermore, the Department acknowledges the authority of the Acting Mayor, Vice-Mayor, and any other officials who shall be designated to fill temporary vacancies during this period.
鈥淭he Department continues to stand ready to provide guidance and assistance to the City of Marikina in ensuring smooth and lawful governance during this transition,鈥� it concluded.听
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Aside from Teodoro, the Ombudsman likewise ordered the preventive suspension of City Accountant Erlinda Gutierrez Gonzales, City Treasurer Nerissa Calvez San Miguel, and Assistant City Budget Officer Jason Rodriguez Nepomuceno, as well as Sangguniang Panlungsod Secretary Noralyn Tingcungco and the following Sangguniang Panlungsod members:
Vice Mayor Marion S. Andres
Angelito R. Nunez
Joseph B. Banzon听
Donn Carlo B. Favis
Loreto F. Tolentino, Jr.
Serafin Y. Bernardino
Carl Eli F. Africa听
Cloyd S. Casimiro听
Marife T. Dayao听
Levy D. De Guzman
Romina Kate N. De Guzman听
Samuel S. Ferriol听
Hilario A. Punzalan听
Manuel E. Sarmiento
The Ombudsman said it found 鈥渟ufficient grounds鈥� to issue a preventive suspension against Teodoro and others, 鈥渃onsidering there is [strong] evidence showing their guilt.鈥澨�
The order stemmed from a complaint filed by Marikina resident Sofronio Dulay on May 15, 2024.听
Dulay specifically filed a criminal complaint for violation of Article 220 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) and an administrative case for grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service against Teodoro, Gonzales, San Miguel, and Nepomuceno.听
He accused the four of misusing PhilHealth payments meant for health system improvements under the Universal Health Care Act.
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