‘Not surprised’ at Cebu governor defiance - Ombudsman

Metro Manila, Philippines - Ombudsman Samuel Martires said Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia’s refusal to abide by the six-month suspension issued against her “did not come as a surprise” as the re-electionist has had a history of defying the rule of law.

“This is not the first time Governor Garcia has defied the rule of law, particularly the lawful order and decision of the Office of the Ombudsman,” he said in a statement on Thursday, May 1.

Martires suspended Garcia pending a probe on a special permit she granted to Shalom Construction, Inc. in May 2024. The permit was allegedly issued despite the company’s lack of clearances from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

On Friday, May 2, the Ombudsman ordered Garcia to file her counter-affidavit or response to alleged violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713) and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Section 3E of RA 3019).

Garcia has previously said she has written to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla for clarification about the order and declared that she would “stay put” as governor pending the secretary’s resolution.

Martires said Garcia’s defiance was not the first time she refused to abide by an Ombudsman order, recalling a 2018 suspension order from then-Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales.

Morales ordered Garcia, who was then a district representative, dismissed over grave misconduct for the purchase of a property later found under water.

“In this instance, Cong. Gwen Garcia defied the Ombudsman's decision and without any court order remained in office until June 2019 because the decision of the Ombudsman was not implemented by the leadership of the House of Representatives,” Martires said.

He said his office observed due process in issuing the suspension order against the governor.

Garcia said his office will “always apply the law justly and fairly” and at the same time recognized Garcia’s right to be presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

READ: Observe due process in Cebu governor suspension order - Marcos 

Martires said the suspension order was not coursed through Remulla’s office to prevent a repeat of previous incidents when the Department of Interior and Local Government refused to implement the Ombudsman’s orders.

“Worse, it resulted in the leakage of our orders and decisions thus giving the respondent the opportunity to seek for an injunctive relief before the courts. Hence, the Ombudsman decided to put a stop to this practice,” the official said.

“The Office of the Ombudsman will always remain an independent constitutional office and committed in its mandate to protect the rights of the people and fight graft and corruption,” he added.

Garcia was earlier seen in Kadiwa stores in Cebu for the launch of the administration’s program to sell rice for P20 per kilogram in the Visayas.