CEBU CITY — Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia announced on April 30 that she will continue serving as governor despite a six-month preventive suspension order issued by the Ombudsman.
Her legal team has sent a clarificatory query to Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla, questioning the legality of enforcing the order during the election period.
Garcia, joined by legal counsel led by lawyer Rory Jon Sepulveda, argued that the suspension violates provisions in the Local Government Code and Comelec rules that prohibit such actions within 90 days of an election without prior approval.
Citing Sections 60, 62(c), and 15 of the Local Government Code and COMELEC Resolution No. 11059, lawywr Alex Avisado stressed that Garcia is not defying the Ombudsman but asserting her rights under the law.
Her legal team advised her to continue her duties until the DILG provides official guidance.
Garcia reiterated her commitment to maintaining order and stability during the campaign season and said her ongoing activities—such as a rice-selling initiative—are non-political and in support of Cebu’s constituents.
In her letter to the DILG, Garcia underscored that no complaint has yet been furnished to her and that implementing the suspension now could constitute an election offense.
Her legal team emphasized that any action should wait for the DILG’s interpretation and direction.