Garcia to inhibit from Marcy Teodoro case

Comission on Elections (Comelec) Chief George Garcia announced on Thursday that he will inhibit himself from a possible en banc deliberation on Marikina Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro’s case if a motion for reconsideration (MR) is filed.

“Ang inyo pong lingkod ay mag-i-inhibit sa kasong yan. Gusto ko sabihin na ganito kaaga pa lang sa pagkat kliyente ko dati ang dalawang naglalaban sa posisyon doon ang respondent at ngayon ay incumbent minority floor leader ng Senado (I will inhibit in that case. I want to say this early because my client used to be the two vying for the position there, the respondent and now the incumbent minority floor leader of the Senate),” Garcia told reporters.

“So minarapat ko bilang pagrespeto sa proseso na huwag mag-participate and therefore ang anim na miyembro ng Commission ang magpaparticipate lamang sa disposition ng Commission (So, out of respect for the process, I decided not to participate and therefore the six members of the Commission will only participate in the disposition of the Commission),” he added.

Comelec’s First Division on Wednesday announced the cancelation of Teodoro’s candidacy due to material misrepresentation.

Garcia, however, clarified that the decision is still not yet final, as Teodoro could still file an MR.

Teodoro, whose compliance with residency requirements has been questioned, has five days to file a motion for reconsideration.

The poll body’s First Division canceled the certificate of candidacy (COC) of Teodoro, who is looking to run as representative of the first district of Marikina, for allegedly committing material misrepresentation in his certificate of candidacy in the 2025 elections.

On Wednesday, Teodoro said he would appeal the ruling of Comelec’s First Division.

He also denounced the ruling as "political maneuvering" by his opponents in the race.

The Comelec ruling stems from petitions filed by several individuals, including his main electoral rival, Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel III, who questioned Teodoro's residency qualifications.

Both are running as Marikina’s first district representative.

"The fact that two petitions were filed against me shows that there are political underpinnings that is geared towards my removal from the electoral race,” Teodoro said.

“I will not allow this to happen and will exhaust all legal remedies available to me."

Garcia also stated that if the Comelec en banc would not be able to release its decision before the printing of ballots on 6 January, Teodoro's name will still appear on the ballot. However, if the cancellation of his COC is upheld, votes for him will be considered.