Jamaine Punzalan

Article (news)

Annie Perez

MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman has found former Cebu governor Gwen Garcia guilty in several administrative cases related to a project in Manganga River, Talisay City.In the decision released Wednesday, the Ombudsman found that Garcia authorized the removal of sand, gravel and other materials from the river, which is part of the Mananga Watershed Forest Reserve, on a special permit during the height of the El Niño in 2024. The reserve is classified as a protected area under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act and the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL) Act of 2007. A private complainant alleged that the former governor authorized a contractor to proceed with the quarrying with no proper documentation and clearances.Garcia said the activity was limited to desilting and dredging to ease the water crisis in Cebu for which she declared a state of calamity.However, the Ombudsman found that the issuance of the special permit to Shalom failed to follow proper procedure and lacked some certificates. “Misconduct was committed when the respondent allowed the desilting of the Mananga River despite the lack of a valid Environmental Compliance Certificate,” the Ombudsman said. It added that the desilting violated the Water Code of the Philippines, as it involved appropriation, utilization, or alteration of a public water body, requiring prior authorization or permit from the National Water Resources Board.“The Governor’s Office must not be perceived as an all-knowing authority capable of implementing programs based solely on discretion,” added the decision.With the decision of guilty for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and simple misconduct, Garcia would have faced a penalty of one year suspension without pay.Since she is no longer an elected official, she will pay a fine equivalent to 6 months of her basic salary or P1.2 million.Garcia, through her legal counsel, said that they acknowledge the decision of the Office of the Ombudsman.But her camp said that the timing of the decision&#x27;s release around the time of Ombudsman Samuel Martires&#x27; retirement in late July &quot;only invites further scrutiny.&quot;&quot;Nonetheless, Governor Garcia remains steadfast in her respect for the rule of law and our constitutional processes,” wrote Cabrido and Associates Law Firm.It added that Garcia would avail of all 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.”A motion for reconsideration is underway.“Governor 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.<div> </div><div>RELATED STORIES: </div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2025/5/1/ombudsman-blasts-cebu-gov-garcia-s-defiance-of-preventive-suspension-order-2044">Ombudsman blasts Cebu Gov. Garcia’s defiance of preventive suspension order</a> <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2025/5/1/marcos-jr-addresses-cebu-governor-s-preventive-suspension-1610">&#x27;Garcia deserves to be treated fairly&#x27;: Marcos Jr. on Cebu governor&#x27;s preventive suspension</a> <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2025/6/13/ex-cebu-gov-garcia-fined-for-defying-ombudsman-suspension-order-1359">Gwen Garcia fined for defying Ombudsman suspension order</a></div>

The Office of the Ombudsman has found former Cebu governor Gwen Garcia guilty in several administrative cases related to a project in Manganga River, Talisay City.

The Office of the Ombudsman has found former Cebu governor Gwen Garcia guilty in several administrative cases related to a project in Manganga River, Talisay City.

Ex-Cebu governor Gwen Garcia fined P1.2 million over desilting permit

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Ex-Cebu governor Gwen Garcia fined P1.2 million over desilting permit

Annie Perez

Published August 14, 2025 02:03 PM PHT

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Updated August 14, 2025 02:55 PM PHT

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