Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia Suspended Weeks Before 2025 Elections
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APRIL 29,2025
Less than two weeks before the May 12, 2025 Philippine midterm elections, the Office of the Ombudsman suspended Cebu Governor Gwendolyn “Gwen” Garcia for six months. The suspension is due to an alleged grave abuse of authority involving a special permit issued to a construction company.
According to the order served on April 28, Garcia allowed Shalom Construction, Inc. to operate without an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) or a Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The permit, issued on May 14, 2024, also lacked environmental studies and prior consultations with key agencies.
The complaint came from Moises Deiparine, who questioned the legal basis of the permit. Cebu, with over 3.4 million registered voters, plays a major role in the upcoming elections. Because of this, the timing of the suspension has raised questions among political observers.
RELATED STORY: Cebu City Launches P20 Rice Program
Cebu Gov. Gwen: “I Acted Out of Urgency, Not Malice”
In her statement, Governor Garcia strongly rejected the allegations. She emphasized that the special permit was part of an urgent response to a worsening water crisis in Cebu City and surrounding areas covered by the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD).
To explain further, she said the Cebu Provincial Board had declared a state of calamity at the time. As a result, local officials needed to act quickly. Desilting the Mananga River, she argued, was the fastest and most effective way to ease the crisis.
“There was no personal gain, no hidden agenda—just a commitment to serve our people in a time of need,” Garcia said.
She also clarified that her office worked closely with the DENR, Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).
Legal Appeal and Public Assurance
Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia’s legal team has already filed an appeal to reverse the suspension. She also pointed out that she was not given any notice or opportunity to explain her side before the order was issued.
“We will allow facts—not politics—to determine the outcome. My dedication to Cebu remains firm,” she added.
Gov.Garcia is currently running for a third consecutive term as governor. Despite the suspension, she vowed to continue fighting for what she believes is right. nowtrend
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