Cebu governor Garcia resigns from PDP-Laban

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia on Tuesday filed her resignation as a member of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino - Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).

Garcia’s resignation stemmed from the administrative complaint filed against her by fellow party member, Cebu Mayor Michael Rama, for halting civil works at the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit  (CBRT) along Osmeña Boulevard in the vicinity of the Cebu Provincial Capitol Building. 

The governor defended her actions by claiming that she just wanted to “safeguard the Cebu Provincial Capitol’s cultural heritage.”

“While I am confident in the legality and ethical soundness of my actions, the resulting situation, including Mayor Rama’s call for my suspension, has made continued association with the party untenable,” Garcia said in her letter addressed to PDP-Laban president Jose Alvarez.

Garcia issued a memorandum in February directed to the CBRT team because the “bus stations that will be built along Osmeña Boulevard right in front of the Capitol Building will have a negative impact on the cultural integrity of the building.”

But in his complaint, Rama pointed out Garcia has no right to meddle in the affairs of Cebu City because it is a highly urbanized city and operates independently from the Province of Cebu.

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts also asked the Department of Transportation in March to submit first an Archeological Impact Assessment before it can proceed with the project.

Moreover, Garcia said that stepping down from PDP-Laban would be the best choice for her and for the party.

“Upholding my personal and professional values, while avoiding any actions that could be detrimental to the party, is of paramount importance,” she said. “The current situation has unfortunately created an environment where my continued membership would be inimical to both the party and myself.” 

Garcia said she is still thankful for being part of PDP-Laban since 2012.—RF, GMA Integrated News