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Alexis Romero - The Philippine Star
May 2, 2025 | 12:00am
President Ferdinand Marcos said any action that affects the mandate of a duly elected official must go through the proper channels and should be in accordance with the Constitution and Omnibus Election Code.
Presidential Communications Office
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday called for adherence to due process and fair treatment of Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, an administration ally who has been suspended for allegedly committing grave abuse of authority and other offenses.
Marcos said any action that affects the mandate of a duly elected official must go through the proper channels and should be in accordance with the Constitution and 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,” he said.
The Office of the Ombudsman earlier ordered the six-month preventive suspension of Garcia for allegedly issuing a special quarry permit to Shalom Construction without requiring an environmental compliance certificate or a certificate of non-convergence.
Ombudsman Samuel Martires demanded an apology from Garcia yesterday for her “unfounded accusation and malicious insinuation that politics is involved” in the issuance of the suspension order because he was appointed by former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is no longer an ally of the Garcias.
The governor was accused of committing grave abuse of authority, serious dishonesty, gross negligence, gross misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and violating the Code of Conduct of Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Garcia said there was no malice in her issuance of the special permit, which she said was approved by the provincial board. She has not stepped down.
“There was no personal interest or malice involved – only a deep sense of responsibility to act swiftly in the face of the growing burden and suffering of the Cebuanos due to the dwindling water supply, not to mention the potential health hazards caused by the unavailability of clean water,” Garcia said.
Marcos said Garcia “has served Cebu with strength and consistency” and that politics should not be allowed to get in the way of public service.
“We must always be guided by the law, by prudence and by what is best for the Filipino people,” Marcos said. – Elizabeth Marcelo
