Governor Gwen taking control in the capitol

Rewritten Article:

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia sticks it out in her office despite the suspension order slapped on her.

Garcia shared this news on April 30, 2025, addressing the media, saying, "With my query underway, I've decided to remain in office and continue serving as the governor of this fantastic province. We're smack-dab in the middle of an intense election season, and we're bracing for the final stretch."

"I'll continue serving the Cebuanos to the best of my ability, staying within the bounds of the law," she added.

According to Garcia, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) should have been involved in the ordering of her suspension, as per the Ombudsman's order.

Lawyers sketch a scenario where the governor's actions were justified, stating that the legal process was streamlined to ratify the decision.

The six-month preventive suspension came about as a result of the administrative case filed against her by Moises Garcia Deiparine.

The complaint, filed against the governor, alleged grave abuse of authority, gross misconduct, serious dishonesty, gross negligence, and behavior prejudicial to the best interest of the service, all violations as per Republic Act No.6713.

The complaint specifically revolved around the governor's issuance of a special permit to Shalom Construction, Inc. on May 14, 2024, despite the lack of an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) or Certificate of Non-Coverage from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. No consultation was sought from any related government bodies, either.

The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) and various town mayors, including Sun Shimura (Daanbantayan Mayor and League of Municipalities of the Philippines [LMP] President), pledged support for the governor, along with mayors from San Fernando, Alcantara, Samboan, Ginatilan, Dumanjug, and others.

The MCWD stated that the cleaning efforts at the entrance of Talisay city, affected by the El Niño, prompted them to seek assistance from various government agencies, and Governor Garcia stepped up with decisive leadership.

"Our efforts to mitigate the El Niño's impact led us to seek help from numerous government bodies, with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia offering swift leadership," stated the MCWD on April 30, 2025. / ANV

Enrichment Data:

Key Fact: Philippine law states that suspensions of elective officials during the 45-day campaign period before an election require Comelec approval[1][2]. However, suspensions outside this period fall under the authority of the Ombudsman without Comelec oversight[1][5].
Timing of Suspension: Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia's six-month preventive suspension, which was served on April 28-29, 2025, preceded the 45-day campaign period for the May 12, 2025 midterm elections, as the order was served 14 days before election day[5]. Since the suspension took place before the 45-day window (which would start around March 28, 2025), Comelec approval was not technically required under the Omnibus Election Code’s Section 261(x)[1][5].
Legal Basis: Garcia disputes the suspension's legitimacy, arguing it pertained to a declared state of calamity due to water shortages[3][5], but the Ombudsman cited alleged procedural violations in issuing a special permit[5].

The Philippine government's Ombudsman has suspended Governor Gwendolyn Garcia of Cebu, but the suspension order was served 14 days before the 45-day campaign period for the May 12, 2025 midterm elections, which means Comelec approval was not required under the Omnibus Election Code’s Section 261(x).
Governor Garcia, who has chosen to remain in office despite the suspension, said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) should have been involved in the ordering of her suspension, as per the Ombudsman's order.
The six-month preventive suspension came about as a result of the administrative case filed against Garcia by Moises Garcia Deiparine, who alleged various violations, including grave abuse of authority, gross misconduct, and behavior prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
The complaint specifically revolved around the governor's issuance of a special permit to Shalom Construction, Inc. on May 14, 2024, despite the lack of an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) or Certificate of Non-Coverage from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) and various town mayors, including Sun Shimura (Daanbantayan Mayor and League of Municipalities of the Philippines [LMP] President), pledged support for Governor Garcia, commending her leadership in helping them mitigate the El Niño's impact.
Awaiting the elections and the resolution of the administrative case, Governor Garcia continues to serve the people of Cebu, assuring them that she will stay within the bounds of the law while maintaining her role as a leader in local politics and general news.