Marikina City Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro and several other local government officials have been placed under preventive suspension for six months without pay over allegations of misusing PHP 130 million in PhilHealth funds, the Office of the Ombudsman announced.
The suspension order, signed by Deputy Ombudsman Dante Vargas, stems from a complaint alleging that Teodoro and his co-accused reallocated PhilHealth funds for non-health-related expenditures, including IT equipment, infrastructure repairs, donations, and general supplies—a violation of the Universal Health Care Act.
Suspension to Prevent Influence on Case
The preventive suspension is not a penalty but a measure to prevent the officials from influencing the ongoing investigation. The Ombudsman’s order ensures that Teodoro and the other officials cannot use their positions to interfere with evidence or exert pressure on potential witnesses.
Teodoro, along with City Treasurer Nerissa Calvez San Miguel, City Accountant Erlinda Gutierrez Gonzales, Assistant City Budget Officer Jason Rodriguez Nepomuceno, Sangguniang Panlungsod Secretary Noralyn R. Tingcungco, Vice Mayor Marion S. Andres, and Councilor Angelito R. Nuñez, were previously charged with technical malversation, graft, and grave misconduct.
Alleged Fund Misuse
According to the complaint, PhilHealth reimbursements meant to improve the Marikina LGU’s health system were instead used for:
- PHP 8 million – IT equipment
- PHP 25 million – Infrastructure repairs
- PHP 6 million – Donations
- PHP 91 million – General supplies and materials
The reallocation of funds was allegedly approved under Ordinance No. 066, Series of 2023, and Ordinance No. 002, Series of 2024, despite legal provisions stating that PhilHealth income must be exclusively used for health-related services.
What’s Next?
The Ombudsman has not yet issued a final ruling on the case. If found guilty, Teodoro and the other officials could face dismissal from service, criminal charges, and potential imprisonment.
Mayor Teodoro has yet to release an official statement regarding the suspension.