Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia on Wednesday, April 30, declared that she will not step down from office despite a suspension order issued by the Office of the Ombudsman.
In a press conference, Garcia said she will remain in her post while seeking clarification on the preventive suspension imposed on her. “I will continue to serve the Cebuanos in the best possible way that I can within the bounds of law,” Garcia told reporters.
She added that her office will formally write to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla to request further explanation on the suspension. “So, pending resolution of my query, I have decided to stay put in office and continue to serve as the governor of this great province of ours,” she said.
Ombudsman Samuel Martires confirmed in a separate press briefing in Manila that Garcia was ordered preventively suspended. The order stemmed from complaints accusing the governor of violating the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
The case involves Garcia’s issuance of a special permit that allowed quarrying operations along parts of the Mananga River. These areas are reportedly within the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL), which is a legally protected environmental zone.
Garcia defended her decision, stating the move was part of a broader plan to desilt the river in response to a water supply crisis caused by the 2024 El Niño phenomenon. She emphasized that the Mananga River is a major water source for the province, and desilting was necessary to ensure water availability.
She also denied any allegation of personal interest, noting that the contractor, Shalom Construction Inc., was granted a special permit strictly for the purpose of addressing the environmental and water supply issues in the area.
The situation has triggered a debate on whether the governor is legally allowed to remain in office during a preventive suspension. Legal experts are now watching closely how the DILG and the Office of the Ombudsman will respond to Garcia’s decision to defy the order.
Meanwhile, various political groups and civic organizations in Cebu have begun issuing statements either supporting or questioning Garcia’s move.