Ombudsman Samuel Martires has fired a formal order against Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, demanding her response to a six-month preventive suspension. The suspension stems from allegations of grave misconduct tied to the issuance of a special permit to a contractor.
In a firm statement, Martires revealed that the Ombudsman served Garcia an order to submit her counter-affidavit for grave abuse of authority, gross misconduct, serious dishonesty, gross negligence, conduct prejudicial to public service, and violations under Republic Act 6713 and RA 3019, also known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
“The preventive suspension order issued in this administrative case is directly linked to a criminal case for violating Section 3(e) of RA 3019,” Martires emphasized. He further clarified that no administrative offense explicitly names violation of RA 3019. Instead, any breach of this law in administrative proceedings must be classified under related charges such as grave misconduct or serious dishonesty, as outlined by the Civil Service Law.
This explains why the Ombudsman’s suspension order against Garcia did not specify the exact RA 3019 provision.
Garcia, however, hit back, calling the suspension “illegal and baseless.” She explained that the special permit issued to Shalom Construction, Inc. was swiftly approved by the Provincial Board to address a dire water shortage crisis impacting Cebu City and seven neighboring towns served by the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD).
“Desilting the Mananga River was the only immediate solution to ease the water crisis,” Garcia stated. “There was no personal gain, only a strong commitment to act fast to relieve the suffering of Cebuanos facing dwindling water supplies and looming health hazards from lack of clean water.”
Martires stands firm, insisting that the Ombudsman has remained fair and just throughout the investigation. He dismissed claims that the suspension was politically motivated or linked to the upcoming May 12 midterm elections.
The controversy casts a stark spotlight on governance, responsibility, and the urgent need for transparency amid Cebu’s escalating water crisis. The coming weeks will be crucial as Governor Garcia prepares her defense and the truth unfolds.