
14/08/2025
BREAKING NEWS: The Office of the Ombudsman has found former Cebu Governor Gwendolyn F. Garcia guilty of Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service and Simple Misconduct in connection with the issuance of a special permit to a construction firm without the necessary environmental clearance.
In a decision signed by Ombudsman Samuel Martires, Garcia was initially meted a one-year suspension without pay.
However, since she is no longer a government official as of June 30, 2025, the penalty was converted into a fine equivalent to six months of her basic salary, payable to the Office of the Ombudsman.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Moises Garcia Deiparine on April 21, 2025, accusing Garcia of grave abuse of authority, gross misconduct, serious dishonesty, gross negligence, and violations of Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Deiparine alleged that on May 14, 2024, Garcia issued Special Permit No. 2024-09 to Shalom Construction, Inc., represented by Anthony James Limchesing, without securing an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) or a Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
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