Outgoing Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia revealed on Friday that the Court of Appeals (CA) has issued a temporary restraining order against the Ombudsman’s attempt to suspend her.

“Wherefore, premises considered, the prayer for the issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order is granted,” stated CA Associate Justice Marietta S. Brawner-Cualing in the court order.

“A Temporary Restraining Order is hereby issued, effective for 60 days from notice, directing the Office of the Ombudsman, through public respondent Hon. Samuel R. Martires, to CEASE from enforcing and implementing the Order dated 23 April 2025, issued in OMB-C-A APR 25-0074, entitled ‘Moises Garcia Deiparine v. Gwendolyn F. Garcia’ for alleged Gross Abuse of Authority, Gross Misconduct, Serious Dishonesty, Gross Negligence, Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service and Violation of R.A. No. 6713, preventively suspending petitioner Gwendolyn F. Garcia,” the outgoing governor cited from the court document.

To recall, the case was filed by Moises Deiparine, who alleged that Garcia granted a special permit to Shalom Construction Inc. on 14 May 2024, without first securing the necessary Environmental Complaint Certificate or Certificate of Non-Coverage from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.