Former Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has been cleared of criminal charges after the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed a complaint filed against her over the issuance of a special permit for the desilting of the Mananga River in Talisay City, Cebu.
The complaint was filed by Moises Garcia Deiparine, who accused Garcia of violating environmental laws and giving undue advantage to Shalom Construction Inc., represented by contractor Anthony James Limchesing.
In a resolution dated August 29, the Ombudsman’s Special Panel of Investigators dismissed the case for alleged violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, citing a lack of probable cause. Investigators said the evidence submitted failed to show any criminal act committed by Garcia or Limchesing.
Deiparine alleged that Garcia issued the permit improperly and in favor of the contractor. However, the Ombudsman found no proof of favoritism or legal violation.
Garcia’s camp explained that the special permit was issued due to an urgent need for water sources in Cebu during the 2024 dry season. The desilting project, they said, aimed to ease drought conditions and secure water supply for residents.
With the Ombudsman’s ruling, both Garcia and Limchesing are cleared of graft allegations tied to the Mananga River desilting project.
