CA stops Garcia’s suspension

MANILA, Philippines — The Court of Appeals (CA) has temporarily stopped the implementation of the six-month preventive suspension imposed by the Office of the Ombudsman on outgoing Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia.

The suspension stemmed from Garcia’s issuance of a special permit to a quarry operator without the required environmental compliance certificate and other pertinent documents.

In a resolution dated May 15, the appellate court’s Special Seventh Division granted Garcia’s motion for issuance of a temporary restraining order against the ombudsman’s ruling.

The CA decision was signed by Associate Justice Marietta Brawner-Cualing. 

The ombudsman served the order on Garcia on April 28.

Garcia refused to step down from her post, saying her legal team would first seek a clarification from the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Garcia questioned the legality of the suspension order as it was issued within the 90-day election period.

The ombudsman is investigating Garcia for alleged violation of Republic Act (RA) 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act as well as administrative charges including grave abuse of authority, gross misconduct, serious dishonestyand conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

Garcia is also facing charges for alleged violation of RA 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Garcia lost her reelection bid to neophyte politician Pamela Baricuatro in the recently concluded elections.