The Commission on Elections said it is waiting for the Department of Interior and Local Government to give its opinion on the suspension order against Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.
Comelec chairman George Garcia said the only automatic exemption from the ban on preventive suspensions during the 45-day campaign period is if the case is related to Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
“In the case of Governor Gwen, we are not aware of nature (of the case),” the poll chief said in a message to reporters.
“We have not received any request for exemption from the Ombudsman and we will await a letter from the Department of the Interior and Local Government,” he added.
Under the Omnibus Election Code, any public official who suspends an elective official without Comelec approval commits an election offense.
The Ombudsman earlier placed the Cebu governor under preventive suspension for six months over multiple complaints, including alleged violation of Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
The five-page suspension order was served to Garcia on April 28, or two weeks before the May 12 midterm polls.
Governor Garcia’s legal team already wrote to DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, seeking clarification of the Ombudsman’s suspension order.
“Pending resolution of my query, I have decided to stay put in office and continue to serve as governor of this great province of ours,” the governor said in a press conference on April 30.
The DILG, however, has yet to comment on the issue.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said any action that affects the mandate of an elected official must go through the proper channels, and in accordance with the Constitution and the Omnibus Election Code.
“I have been made aware of the preventive suspension issued against Gov. Garcia of Cebu. Let me be clear: in a time like this—so close to the election—it is vital that we should uphold the rule of law and observe due process,” he said.
Meanwhile, the President praised Cebu as a model of unity and economic progress during a One Cebu rally where he sought support for the Alyansa senatorial candidates.
“Cebu has become an inspiration for our vision of national unity…Under Governor Gwen’s leadership, the province stands united through One Cebu, driving not only regional development but also setting an example for the entire country,” he said.
The President cited Cebu’s impressive economic performance in 2023, including a 5.7 percent growth in gross domestic product—surpassing the national average—and a historically low unemployment rate of 2.9 percent.
“Investors and entrepreneurs continue to choose Cebu because they see effective governance, strong leadership, and a united community,” he said.
“This is the result of tireless efforts from leaders who place public service above all else,” the President added.
Governor Garcia, for her part, delivered a resounding endorsement of all 11 Alyansa senatorial candidates.
“This governor will remain steadfast and so will the entire leadership of this entire island in this united One Cebu. We are for unity, we are for progress because we are One Cebu…Before I leave, I want to make sure to ask everyone—let’s support the Alyansa senatorial candidates,” she said.
“There is only one spot left — who is the twelfth, it is already up to you. It’s your choice, but we have eleven people to support…The solid Cebu vote—3.4 million strong – we show what unity can achieve,” she added.
The Dumanjug rally yesterday marked Alyansa’s final major push in vote-rich Cebu.
