The Office of the Ombudsman found Gwendolyn Garcia, former governor of Cebu Province, guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and simple misconduct.
The Ombudsman imposed the penalty of one-year suspension without pay. However, in view of the fact that Garcia is no longer a government official as of June 30, 2025, the penalty of suspension for one year without pay is converted into fine equivalent to six months basic salary, approximately P1.2 million, payable to the Office of the Ombudsman.
The decision dated July 16, 2025, signed by Ombudsman Samuel Martires, resolves the complaint filed by one Moises Garcia Deiparine on April 21, 2025 against Garcia for grave abuse of authority, gross misconduct, serious dishonesty, gross negligence, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, and violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Employees.
Deiparine accused Garcia of issuing Special Permit No. 2024-09 to Shalom Construction, Inc. represented by Anthony James Limchesing on May 14, 2024 without an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) nor a Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF FORMER GOVERNOR GWENDOLYN GARCIA
In an official statement issued by Garcia's legal counsel, Atty. Benjamin Cabrido, Jr. it was learned that the former governor acknowledges the decision of the Office of the Ombudsman.
"It must be emphasized that this case has been questioned not only for its factual and legal basis but also for its timing and underlying intent. Governor Garcia has consistently raised serious concerns regarding the propriety of the proceedings and the conduct of the investigation—concerns made more pressing by the issuance of a questionable preventive suspension order during an election ban and in the absence of a Comelec exemption. These concerns were further compounded by public statements made by then Ombudsman Samuel Martires, which may have compromised the perceived impartiality of the Office. His open commentary on the case, even prior to its resolution, raises valid ethical questions and casts serious doubt on the objectivity and fairness of the outcome. The timing of the decision’s release, coinciding with his retirement, only invites further scrutiny," the statement read.
The statement cited that Garcia will file her motion for reconsideration on Thursday, August 14, 2025.
"Nonetheless, Governor Garcia remains steadfast in her respect for the rule of law and our constitutional processes. She will avail herself of the appropriate remedies provided under the rules, confident that, under new leadership, the Office of the Ombudsman can now undertake a more objective and impartial review of her case. In fact, she would be filing her motion for reconsideration to the assailed decision today, 14 August 2025."
Further, the statement underscored that Garcia is set to defend her name.
"Garcia remains committed to defending her name, her unblemished record, and the principles of fairness and accountability in public service—principles she has upheld throughout more than two decades of dedicated and untarnished service to the people of Cebu," the statement added.
