Teodoro to appeal cancellation of COC for congressman

MANILA, Philippines — Saying he is a legitimate resident of Marikina’s first district, Mayor Marcelino Teodoro has vowed to contest the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) canceling his candidacy for congressman over his residency issue.

Teodoro said he would appeal the ruling of the Comelec First Division, noting it is not yet final.

Julie Ann Chang-Lim, lawyer for Teodoro, said the mayor has until Dec. 16 to file a motion for reconsideration before the Comelec en banc.

Chang-Lim said Teodoro remains a congressional candidate in the city’s first district until the Comelec resolution becomes final and executory.

Teodoro accused his opponent, Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III, of political maneuvering.

“The fact that two petitions were filed against me shows that there are political underpinnings, which seek to remove me from the electoral race,” Teodoro said in a statement on Wednesday night.

He questioned the material representation cited by the Comelec in canceling his candidacy, noting that he has been living in the same address for a year.

“We’re in a quandary. Why canceled? There is no material representation,” he said.

Teodoro said the local Comelec office upheld his transfer of voter registration.

He pointed out that the purpose of the residency requirement is to prevent a newcomer who is unfamiliar with the conditions of a community from seeking an elective office.

“In my case, no less than the First Division of the Comelec acknowledged that I was born there. I even served as the first representative of the congressional district of Marikina,” he said.

Teodoro pointed out that he is a bonafide resident of Marikina, having served as councilor, congressman and currently as mayor.