Representative Estella Luz Quimbo attends the House Committee on Social Services on Novmber 16, 2022. Press and Public Affairs Bureau handout/File

MANILA -- Mayoral candidate and 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo said she expects misinformation to be the biggest challenge in her campaign as the local race officially begins. 

“Ang pinaka-challenging sa ngayon, fake news. Kasing sahol na siya ng dahas, sa pag-obstruct ng choice ng tao… sana po wag magpalito ang mga tao. Marami po dyan mga fake news,” Quimbo said. 

A recent false claim circulating online alleged that Quimbo dismissed the Supreme Court inquiry as a "power play" after being ordered to attend oral arguments on the 2025 national budget case. The claim has since been debunked by fact-checkers. 

Quimbo’s husband, Atty. Miro Quimbo, who is running for her current congressional seat, also urged supporters to veer away from smear tactics. 

“Sana nakikiusap tayo sa lahat, sa supporters ng kalaban, sa supporters namin, tigilan na natin ang paninira, iangat natin ang debate,” he said. 

The duo led Team Bagong Marikina in a motorcade that kicked off in Barangay Fortune on Sunday morning ahead of their proclamation rally at 4 p.m. in Marikina’s Freedom Park. 

The team said they expect around 3,000 volunteers and supporters to attend. 

Quimbo is set to face suspended Mayor Marcelino Teodoro in the upcoming elections. 

READ: Ombudsman orders preventive suspension of Marikina Mayor Teodoro, city hall officials