Gwen Garcia found guilty of misconduct for sand and gravel permit

The Office of the Ombudsman has found former Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia guilty of misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

The decision stems from Garcia's issuance of a special permit to Shalom Construction, Inc. for sand and gravel removal from the Mananga River without requiring an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) or Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC).

This action was taken despite the Mananga River being part of a protected area and the lack of prior study or consultation with concerned government agencies.

A private complainant, Moises Deiparine, had accused Garcia of allowing quarrying without proper documentation and clearances.

While the Ombudsman had previously ordered a six-month preventive suspension against Garcia, this was blocked by a temporary restraining order from the Court of Appeals.

As Garcia is no longer governor, the Ombudsman has converted the penalty into a fine equivalent to her salary for six months, instead of a one-year suspension without pay.