The motion for reconsideration filed by Gwendolyn Garcia, former Cebu governor, was dismissed based on an order issued by the Office of the Ombudsman. 

The order dated September 10, 2025 junked the appeal filed by Garcia on August 18, 2025 seeking to set aside the Ombudsman’s decision rendered on July 16, 2025 finding her guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and simple misconduct, and imposing 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 (6) months basic salary, approximately P1.2 million, payable to the Office of the Ombudsman. 

The Ombudsman decision dated July 16, 2025, signed by Ombudsman Samuel Martires, resolves the complaint filed by citizen 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, for desilting works at Mananga River in Talisay City, Cebu Province. 

GARCIA'S CAMP ISSUES OFFICIAL STATEMENT 

In a statement, Atty. Benjamin Cabrido Jr., Garcia's legal counsel, confirmed that they received a copy of the denial of their motion for reconsideration 

"We have received the denial of our Motion for Reconsideration in the administrative case involving Gov. Gwendolyn F. Garcia. It must be clarified, however, that contrary to the Ombudsman’s ruling, Gov. Gwen Garcia raised new matters therein, including the invocation of the exculpatory Doctrine of Necessity, which were not originally part of the case," the statement read.

Cabrido also pointed out that the case has nothing to do with quarry operations. 

"We also wish to correct misleading reports from certain news outlets. The case did not stem from quarry operations in the Mananga River, as has been inaccurately reported, but from a desilting activity carried out to address severe water shortage experienced by the Cebuanos caused by long drought brought by El Nino phenomenon during later part of 2023 up to middle of 2024. At this time, we are preparing the appropriate petition before the Court of Appeals to challenge the suspension order issued against Gov. Gwendolyn F. Garcia," the statement added.