Cebu: Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia must be treated 'fairly' while the legal issues concerning the suspension order against her are not yet resolved, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Thursday. The Office of the Ombudsman ordered Garcia's preventive suspension for six months without pay over alleged grave abuse of authority, in connection with the issuance of a special permit to Shalom Construction Inc. in May 2024 without mandatory clearances from relevant government agencies.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos stated, "I have been made aware of the preventive suspension issued against Governor Gwendolyn Garcia of Cebu," in a statement posted on his official Facebook account. "Governor Garcia has served Cebu with strength and consistency. Until all legal questions surrounding this suspension are resolved, she deserves to be treated fairly and with the respect owed to her office," he added.

Marcos emphasized that any action affecting the mandate of a duly elected official must follow the proper channels and adhere to the Constitution and the Omnibus Election Code. He also stressed the importance of keeping politics separate from public service.

"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."

Garcia, who is running for her third consecutive three-year term as Cebu governor, has defied the Ombudsman's order, questioning the legality of the preventive suspension during the election period. She also raised concerns about the timing of the order, which was issued just days before the May 2025 elections.