For six months without pay: Ombudsman suspends Gwen

CEBU, Philippines — Just weeks before the May 2025 elections, the Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the six-month preventive suspension without pay of Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia—an unexpected development stemming from an administrative complaint over a controversial permit issued last year.

Moises Garcia Deiparine, the complainant, filed cases against the governor for grave abuse of authority, gross misconduct, serious dishonesty, gross negligence, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, and violation of Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

The decision was signed by Ombudsman Samuel Martires on April 23, 2025.

The Freeman likewise verified the information through a Philippine Star reporter, who asked Ombudsman Martires through Viber if there was a suspension order against Garcia. Martires confirmed and replied with a “Yes.”

Further, Deiparine confirmed to The Freeman that he had indeed filed a complaint against the governor on April 19, 2025.

In the complaint, Deiparine alleged that Governor Garcia issued Special Permit No. 2024-09 to Shalom Construction, Inc., represented by Anthony James Limchesing, on May 14, 2024, without an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).

According to the complaint, the issuance of the special permit lacked a Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Additionally, Deiparine alleged that the special permit was issued without prior study or consultation with other relevant government agencies.

“Wherefore, in consonance with Section 9 of Administrative Order No. 17, amending Rule III of Administrative Order No. 07 (Rules of Procedure of the Office of the Ombudsman) and Section 24 of Republic Act No. 6770 (Ombudsman Act of 1989), respondent Governor GWENDOLYN F. GARCIA, Province of Cebu, is hereby placed under PREVENTIVE SUSPENSION, without pay, until the administrative adjudication on this case is terminated, but not to exceed SIX (6) MONTHS, except when the delay in the disposition of the case is due to their fault, negligence or petition, in which case the period of delay shall not be counted in computing the period of preventive suspension,” the decision reads.

In accordance with Section 27 (1) of Republic Act No. 6770, the order is immediately executory.

“Notwithstanding any motion, appeal, or petition that may be filed by respondents seeking relief from this Order, unless otherwise ordered by this Office or any court of competent jurisdiction, the implementation of this Order shall not be interrupted within the period prescribed. SO ORDERED,” the decision of the Ombudsman reads.

In response, Garcia said that while she acknowledges the Ombudsman order, she does not agree with it.

“The Office of the Ombudsman has placed me under preventive suspension. I respect the processes of the law, but I must respectfully disagree with both the basis and the necessity of this action,” said Garcia in a statement released yesterday.

According to the governor, the permit was issued to address an urgent water shortage that severely affected the Metropolitan Cebu Water District’s franchise area, including Cebu City and seven other local government units.

“The Special Permit in question was issued only out of necessity—to address a critical water shortage affecting Cebu City and 7 other LGUs,” Garcia said.

Garcia said the decision was made in coordination with the DENR, DENR-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, and that the Provincial Board had declared Cebu under a state of calamity before the move.

She maintained that her administration acted without malice or personal interest, and that the goal was to immediately alleviate the water crisis through the desilting of the Mananga River.

Garcia also claimed her office was not given notice of the complaint and was denied the chance to respond before the suspension was issued.

Also, Garcia questioned the credibility of the complainant, pointing out his political affiliations, and criticized the timing of the order, which was released just weeks before the May 2025 elections.

According to Garcia, Deiparine is the founder of the support group Duterte Riders Team.

She also stressed that Ombudsman Martires was appointed by former president Rodrigo Duterte and likewise said that the suspension violated Section 261(x) of the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits suspensions of elected officials during the election period without prior approval from the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

“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,” Garcia 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 said.

“In these times, let us stand together – guided by truth, united by purpose, and driven by our unwavering love for a strong and united Cebu,” said Garcia.

Yesterday, messages of support have been extended by officials and supporters of the governor. Among those that have vowed to back Garcia is Consolacion Mayor Nene Alegado, and Tudela Mayor Greman Solante. — (FREEMAN)