Ombudsman orders Cebu governor suspended over construction complaints

Ombudsman Samuel R. Martires has ordered Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia to undergo a six-month preventive suspension without pay over multiple complaints related to construction projects, including the issuance of a quarry permit in a protected area and desilting activities in Mananga River.

The order took immediate effect on Monday, April 28, barring Garcia from performing her duties unless authorized by the Ombudsman or a court with jurisdiction, just two weeks before the May 12 midterm polls.

Garcia acknowledged her suspension via social media and emphasized that all decisions were made in collaboration with local government units and environmental agencies to address urgent water shortages.

The governor maintains that her actions were driven by necessity rather than personal interest or malice, and she is challenging the preventive suspension through legal channels.

Ombudsman Martires confirmed to Rappler on Tuesday, April 29, that Garcia issued a special permit for desilting without an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) nor a Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Garcia's team argues that the order violates Section 261(x) of the Omnibus Election Code due to lack of Comelec approval before issuance.