A group of public school teachers from Marikina City has filed a formal complaint with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), calling for an investigation into a recent distribution of government financial aid that they say may be a case of vote-buying linked to Marikina 2nd District Representative Stella Quimbo.
The aid, disbursed under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, was reportedly given to teachers at the Q Civic Center between April 21 and 23, 2025, facilitated by Marikina 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo.
In a letter addressed to Comelec Chair George Garcia, the teachers raised concerns over the political timing of the distribution, just months before the elections. They submitted video and photographic evidence to support their claim and urged the poll body to determine whether this constitutes vote-buying or political misuse of public funds.
“The Commission on Elections should investigate whether this could be considered vote-buying or using government resources to influence voters, which is prohibited under election laws,” the group stated.
Questionable Eligibility of Beneficiaries
The teachers also pointed out that they do not typically qualify under the AICS program’s guidelines, which are intended to support individuals in extreme poverty, medical emergencies, or other serious crises.
“We, public school teachers, are not in crisis. Including us in the program, especially during an election period, raises serious red flags,” they wrote.
The group alleged that some teachers were directed to assist with verifying IDs and documents, while others were asked to submit their IDs to be listed as beneficiaries, without applying or needing assistance.
Involvement of Officials and Call for Accountability
In their letter, the teachers identified Marie Ann Yambala, president of the Marikina City Federation of Public School Teachers Inc., and Atty. Ceasar Augustos Cebujano, Legal Officer of DepEd Marikina District, as the officials who allegedly supported or facilitated the distribution of aid.
They appealed to the Department of Education (DepEd) to investigate and remind school personnel not to engage in politically motivated activities. They also requested that the DSWD clarify why teachers were made part of the AICS program during an election period and asked the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to determine if any administrative violations were committed.
“We are speaking out not out of anger, but out of love for our work and commitment to a fair and honest electoral process. We call on all concerned agencies to act swiftly and uphold integrity in public service,” the group concluded.
As of press time, Rep. Quimbo, DSWD, or DepEd Marikina has not issued official responses. Comelec has not yet confirmed whether a formal investigation will be launched.
