THE Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG) yesterday slammed what it described as “politically motivated” attacks against Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto, Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro and Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.
The M4GG is a movement comprised of more than 100 mayors from different parts of the country who have committed to “uphold the principles of good governance” and serve the best interests of their constituents. It was formally launched at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City last year.
Among its convenors were Sotto, Teodoro, Mayors Benjamin Magalong of Baguio, Joy Belmonte of Quezon City, Rommel Arnado of Kauswagan in Lanao del Norte, Sitti Hataman of Isabela in Basilan and Felipe Remollo of Dumaguete.
“Ipinapahayag ng Mayors for Good Governance ang buong suporta at tiwala sa ating mga convenor na sina Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro at Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, at gayundin kay Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas (The Mayors for Good Governance express full support and confidence in our convenors, Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro and Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, as well as Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas),” the M4GG said in a statement.
It said that “the complaints filed against them (Sotto, Teodoro and Treñas) with the Ombudsman are an opportunity for the truth to come out and for their names to be cleared.”
Various cases have been filed against the three local executives before the Office of the Ombudsman.
Sotto has been slapped with graft complaints over his alleged failure to distribute cash allowances to Pasig City Hall employees and accusations of granting illegal discounts to a telecommunications provider.
Teodoro, on the other hand, was accused by a Marikina resident of technical malversation in connection with city government’s alleged misuse of the PhilHealth fund.
Meanwhile, Treñas is facing grave misconduct charges in relation to the demolition of the Iloilo City public market.
Teodoro said suspected the complaint filed against him before the Ombudsman could be part of a “broader pattern of politicking and harassment” aimed at members of the M4GG.
“We are seeing similar tactics used against other members of Mayors for Good Governance, including Mayor Benjie Magalong of Baguio, Mayor Jerry Treñas of Iloilo, and Mayor Vico Sotto of Pasig, who have also recently faced similar challenges,” Teodoro said.
He raised concerns about the timing of the filing of the case, noting that it was done just weeks away from the filing of certificates of candidacy for the 2025 elections.
“The complaint filed against me and other city officials coincides with the upcoming filing of candidacy for the next elections. It’s hard to ignore the timing of this, as it raises some serious questions about the motivations behind it,” he said.
The Marikina mayor clarified that the PhilHealth funds in question – funds that were reimbursed during the pandemic – remain intact and fully accounted for, as confirmed by audits conducted in previous years.
“While anyone can file a complaint with the Ombudsman, we must question the integrity of those who initiated this case. The allegations made are entirely baseless and unfounded. The funds in question remain intact and fully accounted for, as confirmed by previous audits. Given this, it is difficult to see how there could be any malversation or any violation of the law,” Teodoro said.
The M4GG stood by its members’ credibility, as it highlighted their proven track record as public servants.
“Bilang isang samahan na isinusulong ang mabuting pamamahala at paglaban sa katiwalian, palagi namin pinapahalagahan ang transparency at accountability. Ang tatlong alkalde ay nagpamalas at patuloy isinasabuhay ang mga prinsipyong ito (As a movement that advocates for good governance and the fight against corruption, we always prioritize transparency and accountability. These three mayors have demonstrated and continue to embody these principles),” it said.
“Patuloy tayong titindig, lalabanan ang mali, at isusulong ang ikabubuti para sa mga Pilipino (We will continue to stand firm, fight against wrongdoings, and promote what is best for the Filipino people),” it added.
