Authorities arrested a man on Monday for distributing false information against suspended Marikina Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro.

Reports disclosed that the man was apprehended for distributing copies of a tabloid — which was also a fake — falsely claiming Teodoro had been disqualified from the congressional race.

Teodoro, who is running for the city’s first district representative, has faced challenges including the cancellation of his Certificate of Candidacy (CoC) by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) First Division due to residency issues, and a six-month preventive suspension for alleged technical malversation.

However, the Comelec en banc has yet to rule on the CoC cancellation, meaning Teodoro remains a candidate until a final decision is made.  

Teodoro’s wife, Representative Marjorie Ann Teodoro, is running for mayor.  

The arrested man is detained at the Marikina City Police Station and will undergo inquest proceedings.

Meantime, Representative Stella Quimbo, who is also running for mayor, denied any involvement in spreading the alleged “black propaganda.” She stated that her campaign has been challenging, facing “fake news” as a primary obstacle, and that she has no reason to spread false information against Marcy Teodoro, as she is not his opponent.

Teodoro is running against Senator Aquilino Pimentel III.

Quimbo added that it is easily verifiable with the Comelec that Teodoro remains a candidate pending the final decision on his CoC.