THE Liberal Party in Cebu yesterday called on suspended Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia to abide by the rule of law and leave the Capitol building.
In a press conference, Cebu-LP provincial chairman Hilario Davide III said they are supporting his running mate, Acting Gov. Agnes Magpale, a political ally affiliated with the Durano-led Bakud party.
But while Cebu-Lap will consider filing more charges against Garcia, Davide said she can stay at her office “for as long as she wants.”
“Anyway (Garcia) ceased to function as governor since we already have an acting governor,” he said.
Davide said he doubts if the Garcia camp can still secure a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against the six-month suspension order.
“Besides what they want to restrain has already been consummated. There is no more reason for a restraining order… the susspension order has been served and Magpale has already taken her oath and has already discharged her functions,” Davide said.
Edgar Gica, a Cebu-LP spokesman, said Garcia continued stay at the Capitol is a violation of law itself. He said she could be charged with “inciting to sedition.”
“(For staying at the Capitol) they are unjustly enriching themselves at the expense of the Province and can even be construed as malversation of public funds,” Gica said.
Gica said they are “waiting for the proper timing” to file cases against Garcia.
Garcia’s daughter, Capitol consultant Cristina Codilla-Frasco said the time that lapsed upon the issuance of a suspension order isn’t important in securing a TRO against it.
She said her mother continues to suffer the “flagrant abuse of power” committed by Magpale’s assumption as acting governor.
Garcia spent Christmas and New Year’s eve in her Capitol office, refusing to leave in case police prevent her from getting back inside.
The police have been given instructions by Magpale to observe “super maximum tolerance.”
“We should avoid using force, that would be the ideal situation…I hope Garcia realizes that what she is doing really is detrimental to Cebu She should set an example and respect the suspension order of the Office of the President,” Davide said.
Davide said while Garcia avails of legal remedies, she should vacate the Office of the Governor.