Ombudsman orders Cebu governor's suspension over quarry permit

Ombudsman Samuel R. Martires demanded an apology from Cebu Governor Gwendolyn F. Garcia, who accused him of politicking in issuing a six-month preventive suspension order.

Martires stated that the Ombudsman applies the law justly and fairly, regardless of political affiliations, and reminded Garcia to respect legal processes.

The Ombudsman ordered Garcia's preventive suspension due to her issuance of a quarry permit in a protected area without required environmental clearances in 2024, and on Friday, Martires told Garcia to respond to the cases filed against her.

Garcia defended the permit as necessary for addressing a critical water shortage but noted she was not given notice of the complaint, depriving her of an opportunity to respond, and continues to challenge the preventive suspension through proper legal channels while respecting due process.