The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the preventive suspension of Cebu Governor Gwendolyn F. Garcia over several administrative charges, including alleged grave abuse of authority, gross misconduct, serious dishonesty, and gross negligence, in connection with a construction permit issued without the required environmental clearance.
Dated April 23, the suspension order signed by Overall Deputy Ombudsman Samuel Martires stemmed from a complaint filed by Moises Garcia Deiparine.
The complainant alleged that Garcia issued Special Permit No. 2024-091 to Shalom Construction, Inc. on May 14, 2024, without securing an Environmental Compliance Certificate or a Certificate of Non-Coverage from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and without having conducted consultations with relevant agencies.
Citing Sections 9 and 24 of Republic Act 6770, or The Ombudsman Act of 1989, the Ombudsman ruled to place Governor Garcia under preventive suspension without pay for a maximum of six months or until the resolution of the administrative case.
The order clarifies that the six-month period excludes any delay caused by the respondent’s fault, negligence, or legal maneuvers.
“This Order is immediately executory,” the ruling emphasized, citing Section 27 (1) of the Ombudsman Act. “Any motion, appeal, or petition seeking relief shall not interrupt the implementation of this Order, unless otherwise ordered by this Office or any court of competent jurisdiction,” the order stated in a copy sent to reporters covering the House of Representatives.
The complaint stated the charges include violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) Committee on Kontra Bigay (CBK) yesterday said it continues to receive reports of vote buying and the improper use of government resources by candidates in the upcoming May elections.
In a press conference, CKB commissioner Ernesto Maceda, Jr. admitted that the committee tasked to uphold electoral integrity is currently “overwhelmed” with the number of show cause orders (SCOs) it needs to issue to suspected violators.
The CBK has issued 213 show cause orders so far, 130 of which is about vote-buying incidents while 67 were tied to alleged abuse of state resources (ASR).
Regions with the most number of alleged vote-buying incidents include Calabarzon, Central Luzon, and Metro Manila.
He warned that if a candidate has an ongoing case, he or she might not be proclaimed, adding, “We have proven that—so there’s a reason behind what we’re doing. It’s not just about being the commission on show cause orders or the commission for petitions that have been filed.”
“If there is a pending complaint against you and there is a motion filed, and there is ground for the commission en banc to decide that, we will hold the proclamation,” he added.
Maceda explained that the primary aim of the show cause orders is to create a fair and equitable environment for all candidates involved in the midterm elections.
“This initiative is designed to guarantee that every participant has the same chance to compete effectively, thereby promoting a level playing field for all,” he said.
