REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Gov. Gwen Garcia Breaks Her Silence On Suspension: 'This Is Not Justice-This Is Politics'
Photo credit: Congress PH
Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has finally spoken out following the Ombudsman’s preventive suspension order against her—and she’s not backing down.
Garcia made it clear: she respects the law, but she firmly disagrees with both the basis and timing of her suspension. At the center of the controversy? A Special Permit tied to efforts to resolve Cebu’s crippling water crisis.
Garcia explained that the permit was issued solely out of urgency. With Cebu City and seven other local government units suffering from severe water shortages, she said immediate action had to be taken. The desilting of the Mananga River, she emphasized, was the fastest and most effective way to bring relief.
“This wasn’t about personal gain,” Garcia said. “This was about fulfilling my duty to protect the health and welfare of every Cebuano.”
She pointed out that the decision was not made in isolation—it was coordinated with national environmental agencies like the DENR, EMB, and MGB. More importantly, it had the go-ahead from the Provincial Board, which had already declared a state of calamity in the province because of the water emergency.
What also stung for Garcia was the lack of due process. She claimed her camp was never informed of the complaint lodged by Moises Garcia Deiparine—whom she identified as a known political figure with partisan ties.
“This is not about protecting the environment,” she said. “This is about politics, plain and simple.”
The governor didn’t hold back in calling out the timing of the order either. Ombudsman Samuel Martires, a Duterte appointee, issued the suspension just weeks before the May 2025 elections. Garcia argued this move violates Section 261(x) of the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits suspensions of elected officials during the official election period—unless cleared first by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). No such clearance was reportedly sought.
Her legal team is already preparing to contest the suspension through the appropriate legal channels. But more than the legal battle, Garcia’s message to her constituents was one of resilience.
“To the people of Cebu, I am still here. My dedication to serve you is stronger than ever. No political attack can stop me from doing my job,” she assured.
As this unfolds, one thing is clear—Governor Gwen Garcia is gearing up for a fight, not just in court, but for what she believes is the truth. And she’s asking Cebuanos to stand with her, united not by politics, but by purpose.
Garcia made it clear: she respects the law, but she firmly disagrees with both the basis and timing of her suspension. At the center of the controversy? A Special Permit tied to efforts to resolve Cebu’s crippling water crisis.
Garcia explained that the permit was issued solely out of urgency. With Cebu City and seven other local government units suffering from severe water shortages, she said immediate action had to be taken. The desilting of the Mananga River, she emphasized, was the fastest and most effective way to bring relief.
“This wasn’t about personal gain,” Garcia said. “This was about fulfilling my duty to protect the health and welfare of every Cebuano.”
She pointed out that the decision was not made in isolation—it was coordinated with national environmental agencies like the DENR, EMB, and MGB. More importantly, it had the go-ahead from the Provincial Board, which had already declared a state of calamity in the province because of the water emergency.
What also stung for Garcia was the lack of due process. She claimed her camp was never informed of the complaint lodged by Moises Garcia Deiparine—whom she identified as a known political figure with partisan ties.
“This is not about protecting the environment,” she said. “This is about politics, plain and simple.”
The governor didn’t hold back in calling out the timing of the order either. Ombudsman Samuel Martires, a Duterte appointee, issued the suspension just weeks before the May 2025 elections. Garcia argued this move violates Section 261(x) of the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits suspensions of elected officials during the official election period—unless cleared first by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). No such clearance was reportedly sought.
Her legal team is already preparing to contest the suspension through the appropriate legal channels. But more than the legal battle, Garcia’s message to her constituents was one of resilience.
“To the people of Cebu, I am still here. My dedication to serve you is stronger than ever. No political attack can stop me from doing my job,” she assured.
As this unfolds, one thing is clear—Governor Gwen Garcia is gearing up for a fight, not just in court, but for what she believes is the truth. And she’s asking Cebuanos to stand with her, united not by politics, but by purpose.
Apr 29, 2025
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
