Rep. Gwen Garcia: Timing of ombudsman dismissal order questionable

MANILA, Philippines — Cebu Rep. Gwen Garcia on Monday questioned the timing of the Ombudsman’s dismissal order against her.

 

Garcia suspects that her active participation in the impeachment hearing against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno might have prompted the dismissal order. 

 

“The timing is rather suspect it seems as though the ombudsman has singled me out of an act that was done when I was still governor several years ago,” Garcia said in a recorded ambush interview.

 

“And you rather wonder whether this was purposely done precisely because as you saw, I was very active in the impeachment hearing against Chief Justice Sereno,” she added.

 

On Monday, the ombudsman ordered the dismissal from service of Garcia for grave misconduct over the controversial purchase of the Balili property. The office also ordered her perpetual disqualification from public office, cancellation of her civil service eligibility and forfeiture of her retirement benefits.

 

 

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez was likewise asked to implement the dismissal order.

 

The ombudsman's decision was dated January 15 but was released to the media on Monday. It was issued as Garcia was speaking during the impeachment hearing against Sereno.

 

Garcia allegedly committed grave misconduct when she purchased a P98.92 million worth property in TInaan, Naga, Cebu. The ombudsman learned that Garcia had no authority from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan when she entered into a contract with ABF Construction.

 

The ABF Construction was awarded the project in 2012 as the lowest calculated and responsive bidder for the supply and delivery of mangrove portions.

 

Only Garcia was charged with grave misconduct. Her co-respondent, Provincial Accountant Emmanuel Guial was found guilty of simple neglect of duty.

 

On the other hand, the administrative charges against the Bids and Awards Committee officials were dismissed for lack of merit.