Cebu gov suspended over usurpation case

MANILA, Philippines- The Department of Interior and Local Government on Wednesday confirmed reports that Malacañang has suspended Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia for six months for a usurpation case filed by the late Vice Gov. Greg Sanchez.

In a radio interview, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas said the suspension against Garcia will start today after the Palace came out with the results of its probe on allegations that she was withholding the release of funds of Sanchez in 2010.

"Inatasan ng Pangulo noon si Secretary Jesse Robredo na imbestigahan ito at natapos niya 'yung kanyang imbestigasyon at ipinadala na ito sa Malakanyang early part of this year, so magmula noon nire-review na ito," Roxas said.

Roxas also appealed to Garcia's supporters for sobriety and let the order be implemented.

The six-month suspension order Garcia has been served on Wednesday by a DILG official.

At the same time, the DILG representative also administered the oath of office to Vice Gov. Agnez Magpale to serve as Governor with Garcia's suspension.

Provincial board member Julian Daan has also been sworn in as the new Vice governor, the report added.

As of this posting, DILG officials in Cebu have yet to locate Garcia who is said to be somewhere in Manila.