Permit approved by Gwen Garcia found to lack environmental clearance, resulting in her being declared culpable by the Ombudsman
In a recent ruling by the Office of the Ombudsman, former Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia was found guilty of issuing Special Permit No. 2024-09 to Shalom Construction Inc. without the necessary environmental certificates. This act was deemed as conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and simple misconduct, violating Republic Act 6713 (the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Employees)[1][2][5].
The permit, issued on May 14, 2024, allowed Shalom Construction, Inc. to conduct desilting activities in the Mananga and Lusaran Rivers, which are part of the Central Cebu Protected Landscape. The complaint stated that the permit issuance was done without prior consultation with relevant agencies and without the environmental certificates required by law[2].
As a result of this administrative lapse, Garcia was initially imposed a one-year suspension without pay. However, since she was no longer a government official as of June 30, 2025, the suspension was converted into a fine equivalent to six months of her basic salary, amounting to approximately PHP 1.2 million, payable to the Office of the Ombudsman[1][2][5].
Garcia has expressed her intention to defend her name and emphasized that the permit was issued to address critical water shortage issues affecting Cebu City and nearby areas. She claimed the issuance followed consultations and lacked malice or personal interest[1][3]. The complaint was filed by Moises Garcia Deiparine, a known political figure, and Garcia's legal camp argued that political motivations were involved in the complaint[1][3].
It is important to note that this conviction pertains specifically to the administrative act of issuing a special permit without environmental clearance certificates, leading to disciplinary sanctions rather than a criminal conviction[1][2][5].
In her capacity as governor, Garcia's monthly salary fell under Salary Grade 30, earning an estimated P203,200 to P226,319 per month[4]. The full details of the case and the defense provided by Garcia's legal team are still being reviewed by the Office of the Ombudsman.
[1] Rappler. (2025). Ombudsman finds Cebu ex-gov Gwen Garcia guilty of graft. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/nation/2634641-ombudsman-finds-cebu-ex-gov-gwen-garcia-guilty-of-graft
[2] Philstar. (2025). Gwen Garcia found guilty of graft over river dredging permit. Philippine Star. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/07/01/2169535/gwen-garcia-found-guilty-graft-over-river-dredging-permit
[3] ABS-CBN News. (2025). Gwen Garcia's legal camp questions political motives in graft complaint. ABS-CBN News. https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/06/29/25/gwen-garcias-legal-camp-questions-political-motives-in-graft-complaint
[4] Government Service Insurance System. (2023). Salary Grade 30. Government Service Insurance System. https://www.gsis.gov.ph/salary-grade-30
- The former Cebu Governor, Gwendolyn Garcia, was found guilty by the Office of the Ombudsman for issuing a special permit without necessary environmental certificates for desilting activities, which violated Republic Act 6713.
- The permit was issued for Shalom Construction, Inc.'s activities in the Mananga and Lusaran Rivers, part of the Central Cebu Protected Landscape, without consultation with relevant agencies.
- Despite claims of political motivations in the complaint, the conviction pertains to the administrative act of issuing a special permit without required environmental clearance certificates, leading to disciplinary sanctions.
- In general news, science, and policy-and-legislation discussions, the impact of such acts on environmental-science and the overall environment, particularly in Cebu, should be considered.
