Notes she is “very active” in impeachment hearings against CJ Sereno
(Eagle News) — Cebu Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia on Monday questioned the timing of the Ombudsman’s release of the order dismissing her from service.
“An act that was done when I was still governor several years ago, you’d rather wonder whether this was purposely done. As you saw, I’m very active in this impeachment hearing against Chief Justice Sereno,” Garcia said.
She said “it does seem as though the Ombudsman has singled me out.”
Even then, she said she “leave(s) it to the leadership, to Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, on his decision as regards ..that dismissal order.”
“I will continue to work as hard as I can. It is my duty as elected by my constituents in the third district precisely to represent them and represent their sentiments. I will continue to be active in the impeachment hearing, ongoing against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno,” she said.
The Ombudsman ordered Garcia’s dismissal over the purchase of a P98.9-million property–a part of which was found to be underwater.
“She failed to point out the specific provision in the appropriation ordinance which supposedly authorized her to enter into the contract (for the purchase),” the Ombudsman said.
Ordered suspended for three months for simple neglect of duty was provincial accountant Emmanuel Guial.
The administrative charges against acting provincial treasurer Roy Salubre as well as bids and awards committee chairperson Marivic Garces; vice-chairperson Bernard Calderon; and members Manuel Purog, Emme Gingoyon, Ma. Junelene Arenas, Cristina Giango, Rosalinda Jao were dismissed.
