CEBU officials and the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) rallied behind Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia following the Ombudsman decision preventively suspending her for six months without pay.
The suspension stemmed from a complaint regarding desilting activities at the Mananga River in Talisay City, which allegedly proceeded without the necessary permits and consultations.
Mayors from various municipalities, the MCWD, Vice Gov. Hilario Davide III and the Philippine Councilors League–Cebu Chapter issued statements expressing solidarity with Garcia.
In a statement released Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the MCWD lauded Garcia’s “decisive leadership” during a severe El Niño episode last year that severely affected the water supply. The water district said the desilting of the Mananga River was a crucial intervention to increase the water output of the Jaclupan facility, a major supply source.
“This was an apparent choice because MCWD possessed an environmental compliance certificate for the Mananga River,” said the water district.
MCWD explained that Jaclupan’s production had dropped from 30,000 cubic meters per day to 7,000 cubic meters due to the prolonged drought. Following the desilting, output improved significantly, providing much-needed relief to the water district’s consumers.
The water district clarified that the intervention was not unilateral but the result of consultations with agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Protected Area Management Board and local government units.
“The collegial body led by the governor acted with urgency, transparency and a strong sense of public service to address the water crisis,” MCWD said. “For that, we remain profoundly grateful for her strong and decisive leadership, especially in times of emergency.”
Several local chief executives shared the sentiment, including the mayors of San Fernando, Alcantara, Samboan, Ginatilan, Dumanjug, Tabogon, Medellin, Sogod, Santa Fe, Poro, Daanbantayan, Tudela, and Consolacion.
Davide also expressed support for Garcia, saying she consistently demonstrated a swift and comprehensive approach to resolving provincial challenges.
“Her decisive leadership was particularly evident during the pandemic, Typhoon Odette, and other emergencies. This was crucial in helping resilient Cebu recover and become stronger,” Davide said.
Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas Jr., whose jurisdiction includes the Mananga River, said he participated in coordination meetings that led to the intervention and affirmed that Garcia’s actions “dramatically increased the water supply of the MCWD Jaclupan facility.”
“As for environmental and technical aspects, our technical working groups and coordination meetings were always attended by national agencies such as the DENR, MGB, EMB, DPWH and other relevant institutions,” Gullas said.
In her official statement, Garcia acknowledged the suspension order but respectfully disagreed with its basis and necessity. She said the special permit for the desilting was issued to address the water shortage and was done in collaboration with affected LGUs and relevant environmental agencies, with the approval of the Provincial Board, which had declared a state of calamity. / EHP