Marikina Public School Teachers to COMELEC’s George Garcia: ‘Probe Quimbo for possible vote&buying via DSWD’s AICS’

A group of Marikina City public school teachers has called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to investigate the distribution of financial aid to their colleagues under the Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), facilitated by Marikina 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo. In a letter, the teachers—who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal—claimed the aid distribution activity may constitute vote-buying or political misuse of government resources close to the elections. They also submitted video and photo evidence to support their claim. “The Commission on Elections should investigate whether this could be considered vote-buying or using power to influence votes, which are not allowed under the law,” they said, calling on Comelec chairman George Garcia to prioritize the probe on the matter. Aside from the Comelec Law Department, the letters were also received by the the Department of Education (DepEd), DSWD, and the Civil Service Commission (CSC). According to the teachers, details about the DSWD financial aid were announced during a meeting on Project TEACH. Quimbo was also reportedly present during the payout, which was held from April 21 to 23, 2025, at the Q Civic Center. “We find this [...]