DILG awaiting Comelec clarification on Cebu Gov. Garcia suspension order

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia —Photo from Gov. Gwen Garcia FB page

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is still awaiting clarification from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) about the suspension order on Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.

According to DILG Undersecretary for Public Affairs and Communications Rolando Puno, in a press conference at their headquarters in Quezon City on Friday, the department already forwarded its inquiry to the poll body last week.

“The DILG is still awaiting the reply of the Commission on Elections regarding a query that we sent in light of the pronouncement of the Comelec that suspension orders of elected officials during the campaign period must secure an approval from the Comelec,” Puno said.

“Until we get clarification regarding this matter, the DILG is in a tough position to implement that…. So until we actually get clarification, hindi gagalaw ang DILG on that matter,” he added.

(Until we get clarification regarding this matter, the DILG is in a tough position to implement that…. So until we actually get clarification, the DILG won’t act on the matter.)

READ: Cebu Gov. Garcia defies suspension; Ombudsman says it’s no surprise

Garcia was slapped with a six-month preventive suspension by the Ombudsman, in an order dated April 23, stemming from a permit she granted to a construction firm that had no environmental clearance.

Comelec Resolution 11059 prohibited the suspension of elective provincial officers without prior approval from the poll body during the election period.