Garcia concedes, gets TRO for suspension

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CEBU CITY — Outgoing Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia publicly acknowledged her "seeming defeat" in the May 12 midterm elections and revealed that the Court of Appeals (CA) has temporarily blocked her suspension.

Garcia made her first public appearance on Friday at the R' Cebu Exhibit for the second and sixth districts held at a mall in Cebu City.

In a speech, she referred to the election results and expressed gratitude to her supporters.

"We had just witnessed the midterm elections last 12th of May 2025. And amidst this seeming defeat of your governor standing before you now, I would like to especially acknowledge those fathers and mothers that refused to leave and have not at least made me an orphan," Garcia said.

She did not entertain questions from reporters after the event.

During the same program, Garcia announced that the CA had granted her a 60-day temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Office of the Ombudsman's preventive suspension order issued on April 23.

The CA resolution, dated May 15, 2025, directed the Ombudsman "to cease from enforcing and implementing the Order" in connection with the administrative case filed by Moises Garcia Deiparine over a desiltation project in Talisay City.

The dispositive portion reads: "Wherefore, premises considered, the prayer for the issuance of a temporary restraining order is granted."

The CA cited its authority under the Ombudsman Act of 1989 to issue the TRO, "in order to preserve the status quo until the final determination of the instant petition for certiorari."

The ruling was signed by Associate Justice Marietta Brawner-Cualing as ponente, and concurred by Justices Germano Francisco Legaspi and Michael Ong.

Deiparine accused Garcia of abuse of authority for issuing a special permit to Shalom Construction Inc. for desilting the Mananga River without securing an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC), or prior consultation with relevant agencies.

Garcia has denied the allegations and explained that the permit aimed to address the worsening water shortage affecting Metro Cebu under the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD).

R' Cebu is a Capitol-led tourism initiative that features products and services from towns and cities in the province.

While the event maintained its festive displays, several attendees, including Capitol employees and local officials, became emotional.

Only six mayors attended the event, unlike in previous years when more local chief executives joined.

Among those present were Argao Mayor Alan Sesaldo, Santander Mayor Monique Buscato, Samboan Mayor Tito Calderon, Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado, Cordova Mayor Cesar Suan, and Boljoon Mayor Joji Derama. Garcia also thanked them for their attendance.

"And so I would especially thank and remember your presence here today," she said.

Garcia lost her reelection bid to newcomer Pamela Baricuatro, who secured around 1.1 million votes compared to Garcia's nearly 800,000.

The governor was eyeing her sixth overall and second final consecutive term.