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OUTGOING Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia openly acknowledged her “seeming defeat” in the May 12 midterm elections and announced that the Court of Appeals (CA) has temporarily halted her suspension.

Garcia made her first public appearance on Friday, May 16, at the R’ Cebu Exhibit for the 2nd and 6th Districts, held at a mall in Cebu City.

In her speech, she addressed the election results and thanked her supporters.

“We had just witnessed the midterm elections last 12th of May 2025. And amidst this seeming defeat of your governor standing before you now, I would like to especially acknowledge those fathers and mothers that refused to leave and have not at least made me an orphan,” Garcia said.

She did not entertain questions from reporters after the event.

At the event, Garcia also shared that the Court of Appeals granted her a 60-day Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) preventing the Office of the Ombudsman from enforcing the preventive suspension issued on April 23.

The CA’s resolution, dated May 15, 2025, instructed the Ombudsman to stop implementing the suspension related to the administrative complaint filed by Moises Garcia Deiparine regarding a desilting project in Talisay City.

The dispositive portion read: “Wherefore, premises considered, the prayer for the issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order is granted.”

The CA cited its authority under the Ombudsman Act of 1989 to issue the TRO, “in order to preserve the status quo until the final determination of the instant petition for certiorari.”

The ruling was signed by Associate Justice Marietta Brawner-Cualing as ponente, and concurred by Justices Germano Francisco Legaspi and Michael Ong.

Deiparine accused Garcia of abuse of authority for issuing a special permit to Shalom Construction Inc. for desilting the Mananga River without securing an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC), or prior consultation with relevant agencies.

Previously, Garcia has denied the allegations and explained that the permit aimed to address the worsening water shortage affecting Metro Cebu under the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD).

R' Cebu

R’ Cebu, a tourism initiative spearheaded by the Capitol, showcases local products and services from various towns and cities across the province.

Despite the event’s vibrant and festive atmosphere, emotions ran high among some attendees, including Capitol staff and local officials.

Unlike previous editions that drew a larger number of local chief executives, only six mayors were present this year.

Those who attended included Argao Mayor Alan Sesaldo, Santander Mayor Monique Buscato, Samboan Mayor Tito Calderon, Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado, Cordova Mayor Cesar Suan, and Boljoon Mayor Joji Derama—whom Garcia personally thanked during her remarks.

“And so I would especially thank and remember your presence here today,” Garcia said.

Garcia lost her reelection bid to newcomer Pamela Baricuatro, who secured around 1.1 million votes compared to Garcia’s nearly 800,000.(MyTVCebu)

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