Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia continues to enjoy strong support from Cebuano voters and is expected to win re-election, despite being preventively suspended by the Office of the Ombudsman over the issuance of a quarry permit in a protected area in 2024, a recent survey showed.
A public opinion poll conducted by RPMD Foundation Inc. revealed that 98% of Cebuanos still back Garcia's bid for re-election.
Dr. Paul Martinez, Global Affairs Analyst and Executive Director of RPMD, explained that the survey was carried out to gauge the impact of Garcia's suspension to her candidacy.
“The results were clear: 98% of Cebuanos remain in favor of Governor Garcia’s re-election. Respondents strongly criticized the Ombudsman’s move and praised Garcia’s prompt and effective handling of the province’s water crisis,” Martinez stated.
He added that the Cebuanos’ support reflects not just political loyalty, but a conscious stand against what they see as injustice and political manipulation. “Cebuanos are smart, discerning, and investigative. Their continued backing of Governor Garcia is a deliberate response to perceived unfairness,” he said.
Martinez also pointed out that the suspension order has drawn public scrutiny toward Ombudsman Samuel Martires, especially after documents surfaced suggesting procedural irregularities in Garcia's suspension.
The case against Garcia originated from a complaint filed on April 21 by Moises Garcia Deiparine. A resolution was drafted on April 23 and signed by Martires the following day. Deiparine accused the governor of grave abuse of authority, gross misconduct, serious dishonesty, gross negligence, and conduct prejudicial to public service, citing violations of Republic Act 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
The complaint alleged that Garcia issued Special Permit No. 2024-09 to Shalom Construction, Inc. without securing an Environmental Compliance Certificate, or a Certificate of Non-Coverage from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, or conducting the required studies and consultations with concerned agencies.
While the Ombudsman claimed the suspension was due to the granting of a quarry permit in a protected area, Garcia’s camp clarified that the project in question was actually a desilting operation at the Mananga River. (with reports from The Manila Times)