Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has refused to vacate her post despite a six-month preventive suspension order issued by the Office of the Ombudsman.
A copy of the suspension order was posted on the door of Garcia’s office at the Cebu Provincial Capitol. The order is connected to her alleged issuance of a special permit to a construction company for the desiltation of Mananga River without securing the necessary Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) or Certificate of Non-Coverage from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The suspension stemmed from a complaint filed by Moises Garcia Deiparine, who accused the governor of 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.
During a press conference held inside her office on Tuesday afternoon, Garcia declared that she will continue serving as governor of Cebu.
Garcia argued that the suspension violates the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits the suspension of elected officials during the election period without prior approval from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
