Ombudsman finds Gwen Garcia responsible of misconduct over desilting undertaking 

The Workplace of the Ombudsman tells ex-Cebu governor Gwen Garcia to pay a superb equal to 6 months of her fundamental wage when she was nonetheless in workplace

CEBU, Philippines – The Workplace of the Ombudsman has discovered ex-Cebu governor Gwen Garcia responsible of conduct prejudicial to one of the best curiosity of the service and easy misconduct, in a call on an administrative case dated July 16. 

“Respondent is being charged for issuing Particular Allow No. 2024-097 to Shalom Development, Inc. (Shalom), represented by Anthony James C. Limchesing, on 14 Could 2024 with out an Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC) nor a Certificates of Non-Protection (CNC),” the choice learn.

In April, a sure Moises Garcia Deiparine filed a grievance earlier than the Ombudsman’s workplace in opposition to Garcia for abuse of authority, gross misconduct, and critical dishonesty, amongst others, for her involvement within the issuance of the allow that allowed desilting alongside the Mananga River.

Ombudsman Samuel Martires had confirmed to Rappler on April 29 {that a} six-month preventive suspension order was issued in opposition to Garcia for this case. Nevertheless, on Could 15, the Courtroom of Appeals (CA) issued a 60-day non permanent restraining order (TRO) blocking the implementation of the preventive suspension.

Because the TRO interval has lapsed, and Garcia is now not the governor after dropping to Duterte ally, Pamela Baricuatro, within the Could midterm elections, the Ombudsman transformed the suspension right into a superb.

“In view of the truth that the respondent [Garcia] is now not a authorities official as of 30 June 2025, the penalty of suspension for one yr with out pay is transformed right into a superb equal to 6 months fundamental wage, payable to the Workplace of the Ombudsman,” the choice said.

On Thursday, August 14, Garcia’s authorized counsel, Cabrido & Associates Regulation Agency, launched her assertion, acknowledging the Ombudsman’s determination on the executive case.

“It have to be emphasised that this case has been questioned not just for its factual and authorized foundation but in addition for its timing and underlying intent,” Garcia’s camp mentioned.

Garcia had questioned the issuance of the preventive suspension order in opposition to her throughout an election ban and with out exemption from the Fee on Elections (Comelec).

“His open commentary on the case, even previous to its decision, raises legitimate moral questions and casts critical doubt on the objectivity and equity of the result. The timing of the choice’s launch, coinciding along with his retirement, solely invitations additional scrutiny,” Garcia added.

Based on Garcia’s authorized counsel, the ex-governor can be submitting a movement for reconsideration by Thursday. 

In the meantime, the complainant lauded the Ombudsman’s determination in a social media publish, highlighting the significance of respecting environmental legal guidelines.

“Ang desisyon sa Ombudsman nagpakita nga bisan kinsa, bisan usa ka gobernador, dili exempted sa pagsunod sa balaod. Kini usa ka kadaugan para sa kinaiyahan ug sa katawhan sa Sugbo,” Deiparine mentioned

(The Ombudsman’s determination reveals that nobody, not even a governor, is exempted from following the legislation. This can be a victory for the surroundings and the individuals of Cebu.) – Rappler.com