Suspended Cebu governor, family spend Christmas Eve at provincial capitol

In what she described as her "most unique" celebration in her life, suspended Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia spent Christmas Eve with her family and friends at the provincial capitol.

 

Garcia, in posts on her Twitter account, maintained she was not stepping down from her post, as she continued to question the suspension order against her.

 

"Spending Christmas at the Capitol with family, friends and the media. The most unique Christmas celebration in my entire life," she said at 11:13 p.m. Monday.

 

She also thanked those who expressed their concern and support for her.

 

"To all those who have expressed their concern and support, thank you from the bottom of my heart," she said.

 

Garcia occupied the provincial capitol after Malacañang issued a six-month suspension order against her for alleged abuse of authority.

 

But she questioned the order, which she branded as a power grab, and asked the Court of Appeals to stop the execution of the suspension order.

 

She also rejected anew calls from Malacañang for her to step down.

 

"It's not about the humility to step down. It is all about the courage to stand firm for what is right," she said.

 

"I love Cebu too much to turn my back on the mandate the Cebuanos have given me," she added. — RSJ, GMA News