Ombudsman orders Cebu guv to file counter-affidavit on graft raps

Ombudsman Samuel Martires has ordered Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to file a counter-affidavit in response to cases filed against her, including grave abuse of authority, gross misconduct, and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The Ombudsman clarified that the preventive suspension order against Garcia is related to a criminal case for violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, which classifies violations as grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, gross negligence, or conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

The six-month suspension was issued because Garcia allowed the issuance of a permit to Shalom Construction, Inc. despite the absence of an environmental compliance certificate.

Governor Garcia had previously declared the suspension illegal, stating the permit was approved by the Provincial Board to address an urgent water shortage in Metropolitan Cebu.

Garcia asserted that her action was driven by a sense of responsibility to alleviate the suffering of Cebuanos and was not motivated by personal interest or malice.

The Ombudsman defended the fairness of his office's decisions, refuting claims that the suspension was politically motivated.