Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia suspension was ordered by the Office of the Ombudsman following an administrative complaint filed by Moises Deiparine citing grave abuse of authority, gross misconduct, serious dishonesty, gross negligence, and conduct prejudicial to public service, all violations under Republic Act No. 6713.
According to Deiparine, Garcia allegedly issued a Special Permit to Shalom Construction, Inc. on May 14, 2024, without securing an Environmental Compliance Certificate or Certificate of Non-Coverage from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
As a result, the Ombudsman imposed a six-month preventive suspension without pay on Governor Garcia, stating that only a competent court may stop the order.
Governor Garcia promptly responded to the charges, explaining that the permit was issued solely to address the severe water shortage affecting Cebu City and neighboring areas under the Metropolitan Cebu Water District.
She emphasized that her actions were in coordination with relevant agencies and were not motivated by personal interest.
Garcia also claimed she was unaware of the complaint filed against her and asserted that the case requires Comelec approval, possibly due to the election period.
Meanwhile, COMELEC-7 Regional Director Atty. Francisco Pobe clarified that the Commission on Elections-Central Visayas has no jurisdiction over the Ombudsman’s order, which falls under the authority of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
Former Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama called on Cebuanos to pray for Governor Garcia, expressing confidence in her ability to face the case but declined to comment on the timing of the suspension amid the election period.