Gwen faces Ombuds complaint over BRT Project

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia is facing another administrative complaint filed before the Office of the Ombudsman over alleged grave abuse of authority and misconduct in connection with the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.

- 

The complaint, filed by a certain Michelle R. Osmeña on Oct. 22, 2024, was marked “Rush for Evaluation,” but Garcia and her legal team said they only received the order to respond on May 19, 2025.

The complaint, filed before the Office of the Ombudsman Central Office, accuses the outgoing governor of grave abuse of authority, grave misconduct, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service in relation to the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.

"Since they failed in their first attempt while here they are again trying another tack," said Garcia, referring to a similar case filed against the governor by former Cebu City mayor Michael Rama before the Office of the President on March 18, 2024.

The complaint was dismissed for lack of a prima facie case on Oct. 22, 2024, in a decision signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

"It should be noted that the Office of the President has already resolved with finality on October 22 the case that was filed by former Mayor Mike Rama involving the same issues," said Garcia's legal counsel, Atty. Elaine Bathan, who added noted that this makes the current case irrelevant.

Bathan further explained the governor can no longer be preventively suspended in connection with the latest complaint, as the President had already dismissed the case involving the same allegations.