Amid talks of Gwen suspension Capitol holds prayer vigil

CEBU, Philippines - Supporters of Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia staged a prayer vigil last night at the Capitol grounds amid reports of an impending six-month suspension about to be served on her.

The suspension reportedly stems from a case for grave abuse of authority filed by then Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez, who has since died.

Rumors have it that the suspension order was served Monday evening but no one confirmed it yesterday. Garcia was in Manila at the time.

Security in the Capitol compound was tightened, the back door leading to the Palace of Justice was closed while metal barricades were placed at the right wing of the Capitol building where the Governor’s Office is located.

Garcia’s daughter and one of her counsels, Christina Garcia-Frasco, asked where the information came from as they have not received any notice or order.

“Wala man gyud mi kadawat og bisan unsang notice. Whoever leaked those rumors must be very interested in seeing the governor suspended,” Frasco told The Freeman.

Capitol spokesperson, lawyer Rory Jon Sepulveda, told reporters that should there be a suspension order against the governor, they are preparing for it.

Sepulveda said that the only case that may merit a suspension against Garcia is the one filed by the late vice governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr.

Sanchez filed before the Office of the President usurpation and grave abuse of authority against Garcia.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) was tasked to investigate the matter and conducted hearings.

“We are confident the acts involved would not merit a suspension. Kung tinuod, mao ra gyud,” Sepulveda said.

Sepulveda said Garcia’s lawyers inquired about it yesterday from the Office of the President and DILG but could not get a confirmation.

“Let them do their worst, we’ll do our best,” Sepulveda told reporters quoting Garcia as saying.

Huge tents were set-up in front of the Cebu Provincial Capitol for the prayer vigil.

Sepulveda said that security was tightened to ensure that the vigil would be peaceful.

“I am touched by their spontaneous show of support. We cannot stop them from expressing their support for my mom,” Frasco said after learning of the vigil.

Barangay health workers from different towns were seen roaming around the Capitol yesterday and they converged at the social hall but they dispersed later in the afternoon.

Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Cristina Giango, told The Freeman that there was a meeting with BHW association presidents at the Capitol yesterday while some claimed their uniforms. 

But some BHWs attended the vigil last night.

“My mom will continue to serve the Cebuanos because she is their lawfully elected governor,” Frasco further said.

DILG 7 lawyer Aiza Nogra said over DYLA that their office did not know about the suspension order while another top official of DILG admitted that during the time of then Sec. Jesse Robredo, the recommendation for suspension of at least six months against Garcia had been forwarded to Malacañang.

Unconfirmed reports said that the suspension order will be served today while Vice Governor Agnes Magpale will assume office.

However, Magpale refused to confirm the report last night. (FREEMAN)