By Filane Mikee Cervantes
MANILA – Malacañang on Friday said it will not intervene in the Office of the Ombudsman’s preventive suspension order against Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.
In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has been consistent in pushing for the rule of law and due process regardless of political ties.
“Maliwanag po ang sinabi ng ating Pangulo: dapat pong paigtingin ang rule of law, patibayin ang due process. Wala dapat umaabuso sa anumang kapangyarihan, maging sino ka man (The President has made it clear: we must strengthen the rule of law and uphold due process. No one should abuse power, no matter who they are),” Castro said.
Garcia, a known ally of the administration, is facing a six-month suspension without pay issued by the Ombudsman over alleged grave abuse of authority.
The case involves a special permit granted to Shalom Construction Inc. in May 2024, which was reportedly issued without the required clearances from relevant agencies.
Castro said Marcos wants the law to be followed without exception.
“Ang pananaw ng Pangulo ay laging kung ano ang dapat sa batas. Hindi po natin gagamitin ang excuse na pamumulitika (The President’s view is always anchored on what the law requires. We will not use politics as an excuse),” she said.
“Maaari siguro na may mga issues tungkol sa pamumulitika, but still, ang Pangulo ang gusto lamang po niya ay masunod kung ano ang sinasabi ng batas (There may be political issues, but the President only wants the law to be followed),” she added.
Garcia, who is seeking re-election in May 2025, has questioned the legality of the suspension, arguing that it violates provisions in the Omnibus Election Code that prohibit suspensions within the election period.
When asked directly if Malacañang will step in, Castro ruled out any intervention from the President.
“Hindi po gagawin ng Pangulo ‘yan. Maliwanag nga po sinabi ni Pangulong Marcos, dapat sundin ang batas (The President will not do that. President Marcos has clearly said the law must be followed),” she said.
“So kung ano po ‘yung naaayon sa batas, ‘yun lang din po ang dapat sundin. Wala pong dapat umabuso (Only what is allowed by law should be followed. No one should abuse their authority).”
Marcos has issued a statement urging fair treatment for Garcia, saying any action affecting the mandate of an elected official must go through proper legal procedures and respect the Constitution.
“Let me be clear: in a time like this — so close to the elections — it is vital that we uphold the rule of law and observe due process,” Marcos said. “We must always be guided by the law, by prudence, and by what is best for the Filipino people.” (PNA)
