Cebu Gov. Garcia suspended 6 months

Ombudsman Samuel R. Martires has ordered the six-month preventive suspension of Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn F. Garcia over the issuance of a quarry permit in a protected area in 2024.

- By CZARINA NICOLE ONG-KI

In an order, Martires said Garcia's preventive suspension is immediately executory and the suspension cannot be interrupted unless ordered by his office or by a court of competent jurisdiction.

"Wherefore, in consonance with Section 9 of Administrative Order No. 17, amending Rule III of Administrative Order No. 7 (Rules of Procedure of the Office of the Ombudsman) and Section 24 of Republic Act No. 6770 (Ombudsman Act of 1989), respondent Gov. Gwendolyn F. Garcia, province of Cebu, is hereby placed under preventive suspension, without pay, until the administrative adjudication on this case is terminated, but not to exceed six months, except when the delay in the disposition of the case is due to their fault, negligence, or petition, in which case the period of delay shall not be counted in computing the period of preventive suspension," the order issued by Martires stated.

The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) acted on the complaint filed by Moises Garcia Deiparine who charged Garcia administratively for grave abuse of authority, gross misconduct, serious dishonesty, gross negligence, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, and violation of Republic Act 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.