PRE-ELECTION SHOCKER: Ombudsman preventively suspends Governor Garcia

Local

IN a dramatic turn of events, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has been hit with a six-month preventive suspension without pay, as the Ombudsman intensifies its crackdown on alleged misconduct and power abuse.

In a document dated April 23, 2025, the Office of the Ombudsman ordered Garcia’s suspension for alleged violations of Republic Act 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

The charges include grave abuse of authority, serious dishonesty, gross misconduct, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

The complaint was filed by Moises Garcia Deiparine, who alleged that Garcia issued a special permit to Shalom Construction, Inc. in May 2024 without securing the required environmental clearances or consulting the relevant government agencies.

Garcia confirmed the suspension order and, in a statement issued on Tuesday, April 29, expressed her disagreement with both the basis and the necessity of the action.

“I respect the processes of the law, but I must respectfully disagree with both the basis and the necessity of this action,” she said.

She defended the issuance of the special permit to Shalom Construction, Inc., stating it was part of efforts to address a water crisis affecting Cebu City and seven other LGUs under the Metropolitan Cebu Water District.

She emphasized that the decision was made in coordination with the Department of Environment, its Environmental Management Bureau, and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, following the Provincial Board’s declaration of a state of calamity.

Garcia maintained that there was no malice or personal gain involved, asserting that the desilting of the Mananga River was necessary to alleviate the water shortage.

She also claimed her office received no notice of the complaint and was denied the opportunity to respond before the suspension was issued.

The governor questioned the timing of the order, which came just weeks before the May 2025 elections, and the credibility of complainant Moises Garcia Deiparine, founder of the Duterte Riders Team.

Garcia also noted in her statement that Ombudsman Samuel Martires was appointed by former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Additionally, she argued that the suspension violated Section 261(x) of the Omnibus Election Code, which bars the suspension of elected officials during the election period without Comelec approval.

“My legal team is already taking the necessary steps to challenge this preventive suspension through the proper legal channels. I have full faith that truth and justice will prevail," she said.

Despite the suspension, Garcia vowed to remain committed to her responsibilities as governor.

“No political maneuvering, no malicious attacks, and no unjust actions will ever deter me from fulfilling my sworn duty,” she declared.

In a text message to MyTV Cebu, Deiparine confirmed the authenticity of the circulating first page of the Ombudsman’s order but stated he had yet to receive the full document.