MANILA — A man spreading "fake news" against suspended Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro was arrested Monday by the city's police.

The man was giving out copies of a tabloid indicating that Marcy Teodoro was already disqualified from the race.

The mayor, who's gunning for a congressional seat in the 2025 elections, has faced a myriad of issues including the cancellation of his certificate of candidacy (COC) due to residency issues and a six-month preventive suspension due to alleged technical malversation.

Marikina's Marcy Teodoro may still seek reconsideration of COC cancellation

Despite the Comelec First Division's cancellation of his COC, the Comelec en banc has yet to rule on it.

Teodoro's name appears on the ballot and he remains a candidate until the decision is final. 

Teodoro's wife, Maan, is running for mayor.

The arrested person will undergo inquest proceedings and is in the custody of Marikina Police.

Supporters of the Teodoro couple allege the opposing camp is behind the spread of black propaganda.

REP. QUIMBO: NOT US

But Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo, who is running for mayor, has denied involvement, adding the campaign has been a big challenge for her as the first candidate to run against the Teodoros.

"Hirap na hirap talaga ako kasi ang number one challenge namin ay fake news," she also said.

 (I really had difficulties because our number one enemy was fake news.)

Quimbo also said she has no reason to spread propaganda against Marcy Teodoro since she is not running against him. Teodoro's opponent for 1st District representative is Sen. Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III.

She added it is would be easy to check with Comelec and learn that Teodoro remains a candidate pending final decision on the cancellation of his COC.