The Office of the Ombudsman has issued a show cause order against Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia for allegedly continuing to defy the preventive suspension imposed on her in April 2024. Ombudsman Samuel Martires stated that despite receiving the order, Garcia has openly refused to comply.
“[D]espite the implementation thereof by this Office and its immediately executory nature, you have publicly avowed not to abide by the Order on preventive suspension,” the show cause order read. The Ombudsman stressed that the order was served and took effect immediately, yet Garcia has remained in office and continued performing her duties.
In addition to Garcia, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary for Public Affairs and Communications Rolando Puno was also asked to explain why he should not be held in indirect contempt. The Ombudsman cited Puno for allegedly tolerating Garcia’s refusal to comply with the suspension.
This development followed a report where Puno stated that the DILG would not act on the suspension pending clarification from the Commission on Elections (Comelec). He claimed the department was seeking guidance due to the possible implications of the election period on the suspension’s enforceability.
However, the Ombudsman insisted that the preventive suspension is immediately executable and does not require further clearance. The order also noted that failure to comply with the directive could result in contempt charges or other legal consequences.
Governor Garcia has been at the center of a controversy stemming from allegations of grave misconduct and abuse of authority. The preventive suspension was intended to ensure an impartial investigation by temporarily removing her from office.
The issuance of the show cause order signals the Ombudsman’s resolve to enforce its rulings regardless of local or national political dynamics. The Office reiterated that undermining lawful orders threatens the integrity of public service and accountability mechanisms.
As of writing, both Garcia and Puno have yet to issue formal responses to the Ombudsman’s latest directive. The deadline for submitting their respective explanations has not been made public.
This case is expected to test the limits of administrative power and inter-agency coordination in enforcing discipline among elected officials, especially during politically sensitive periods.