Malacañang won't meddle

Malacañang will not interfere in the preventive suspension the Office of the Ombudsman has imposed on Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro assured the public on Friday.SIX-MONTH SUSPENSION

- Helen M. Flores Philippine Star News Service Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon Staff Member

Castro was responding to queries about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s statement on Thursday, in which he called for due process and fair treatment for the governor.

"The President's view is always to obey the law. We will not use politics as an excuse," Castro said at a press briefing.

"There may be issues regarding politics, but still the President, all he wants is to follow what the law says," she added.

When asked whether Malacañang would intervene in Garcia's case, Castro said, "The President will not do that." President Marcos emphasized that any action affecting the mandate of a duly elected official must follow proper legal procedures and be consistent with the Constitution and the Omnibus Election Code.

"Until all legal questions surrounding this suspension are resolved, she deserves to be treated fairly and with the respect owed to her office," the president said earlier.

Recognizing Garcia's service, Marcos said that "politics should not be allowed to get int the way of public service." "She has served Cebu with strength and consistency," the president said of Garcia.