The legal counsel of Marikina 1st District Representative Marcy Teodoro has challenged the basis of the sexual assault and acts of lasciviousness complaints filed against the lawmaker, insisting that there is insufficient evidence to support the cases.
In a statement, Atty. Alma Mallonga said the complaints had undergone an investigation by a Department of Justice (DOJ) panel composed of Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Anna Noreen T. Denavadera and Assistant State Prosecutor Ruth Anne P. Zamora.
“Madaling maintindihan kung bakit namin sinasabing walang sapat na basehan ang mga reklamong isinampa laban kay Cong. Marcy Teodoro,” Mallonga said.
According to Mallonga, the DOJ panel conducted hearings and completed its investigation more than seven months ago. She questioned why the subsequent resolution was not prepared or signed by the same prosecutors who handled the investigation.
“Kaya nakakagulat na nagkaroon ng isang resolution na hindi ginawa o pinirmahan ng DOJ panel na nagsagawa ng imbestigasyon. Sa halip, ito ay ginawa at pinirmahan ng ibang state prosecutor," she said.
Mallonga said this raises questions about whether the original investigation report and recommendation of the DOJ panel were altered.
“Dahil dito, makatwirang ipagpalagay na binago ang orihinal na investigation report at recommendation ng DOJ panel na ibasura ang mga reklamo laban kay Cong. Marcy,” she said.
The lawyer also addressed the DOJ’s determination that issues concerning the credibility of the allegations and Teodoro’s defense should be resolved during trial before a judge.
Mallonga said Teodoro welcomes the opportunity to face the complaints in court, arguing that a full trial would allow both sides to present evidence and establish the facts.
“Tinatanggap ni Cong. Marcy ang oportunidad na litisin ang reklamo laban sa kanya,” she said.
“Hangga't hindi ito dinggin at magkaroon ng desisyon kung saan maipapalabas ang mga kasinungalingan at kung ano talaga ang katotohanan, magpapatuloy lamang ang paninira at kawalan ng katiyakan,” Mallonga added.
She maintained that Teodoro is innocent and is prepared to undergo the entire legal process.
“Inosente si Cong. Marcy. At handa siyang harapin ang buong legal na proseso upang lumabas ang katotohanan sa lalong madaling panahon,” she said.
Mallonga emphasized that the case, from their perspective, is not only about Teodoro but also about due process, justice and accountability.
“Hindi ito laban para sa sarili lamang niya.Ito ay laban para sa due process, hustisya at pananagutan. Lalaban si Cong. Mracy,” she said.
The DOJ has filed four counts of rape by sexual assault and one count of acts of lasciviousness against Teodoro based on complaints filed by two policewomen who previously served as security escorts for the congressman and his wife, Marikina City Mayor Maan Teodoro.
The cases are now before the courts, where the allegations and Teodoro’s defense will undergo judicial proceedings. The filing of criminal charges does not constitute a finding of guilt, and Teodoro remains entitled to the presumption of innocence and due process.
