CA to hold oral arguments on Garcia’s TRO petition

MANILA, Philippines – There’s still no temporary restraining order (TRO) on the case of Cebu Governor Gwendolyn “Gwen” Garcia. 

The Court of Appeals instead said on Wednesday, January 2 that it will hold oral arguments on her petition for a TRO on January 10. Garcia asked the CA on December 21 to issue a TRO stopping the Office of the President from enforcing its suspension order against her.

Garcia was placed under a 6-month suspension following an administrative complaint from the late Vice Governor Greg Sanchez. Sanchez accused Garcia of hiring 19 consultants without the approval of the provincial board in 2010.

Garcia was immediately replaced by vice governor and now Acting Governor Agnes Magpale, who is from Liberal Party. Garcia is from the rival coalition the United Nationalist Alliance. She will be seeking a congressional post in the 2013 midterm elections under UNA.

Her brother, Cebu 3rd District Rep John Pablo Garcia will be running for governor and will be up against LP’s Hilario Davide III.

The Office of the Solicitor General has asked the CA on December 27 to junk Garcia’s petition, saying the Palace did not commit grave abuse of discretion in implementing the suspension order.

Tranquil Salvador III, one of Garcia’s lawyers, told Rappler they have filed a reply to the petition of the OSG.

Garcia continues to stay at the capitol pending a decision from the CA. – Rappler.com