Multiple cases against Gwen

A Mandaue City-based lawyer is set to file multiple charges today against Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia accusing of legal and ethical violations tied to her candidacy and defiance of suspension orders.

- Mitchelle Palaubsanon, Staff Member

Attorney Inocencio dela Cerna, speaking on behalf of his client—also a lawyer whose name he did not disclose during a press conference yesterday—said the charges include disqualification, usurpation of authority, and electioneering.

Dela Cerna said they plan to file the cases today before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Region-7 and the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas, as well as directly with the Comelec in Manila.

He noted that even if the cases are filed after the election, they still intend to pursue them against the governor.

Dela Cerna alleged that in the governor's Certificate of Candidacy (COC), she indicated that she has no pending cases in court by writing "N/A" or "Not Applicable."

"Ang kaning sa second page (COC) naay gibutang case docket, case title, date filed and status. Maayo unta to og ang kandidato, wa mag-atubang og kaso.

But naa diri not applicable ang case docket, ang case number and case title not applicable, unya date filed not applicable and case status not applicable.

However, naa man gyud siyay kaso," said dela Cerna.

The lawyer said that, in fact, the governor has active and existing cases pending before the Supreme Court, including Hilario Davide III vs. Gwendolyn Garcia and Agnes Magpale vs. Gwendolyn Garcia.

"Sa tan-aw nako mental dishonesty ni," said dela Cerna.