Questions timing of release of dismissal order, among others, however, at the same time
(Eagle News) — The Palace on Tuesday said it respects the Ombudsman’s order to dismiss House Deputy Speaker Gwendolyn Garcia, but at the same time questioned the timing it was issued, among others.
“It is also unfortunate that the decision of the Ombudsman was released at a time when such actions could be given political color..While we leave the merits of the case to the Ombudsman, the release of the decision could have come at a more circumspect time,” he said.
He did not elaborate.
In questioning the timing of the release of the order, though, Garcia noted that she played a “very active” role in the impeachment hearings against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.
Roque added that “only Congress may suspend or remove its members based on the former’s anti-graft and corruption rulings.”
“She cannot arrogate this power of Congress. Thus, only the House of Representatives, convened in plenary and by a two-thirds vote, can expel Deputy Speaker Garcia from its rolls,” he added, referring to Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales.
In its decision dated January 15, 2018, the Ombudsman barred Garcia from holding public office, saying she was guilty of grave misconduct when she entered into unauthorized contracts with Supreme ABF Construction for the purchase of the P98.9-million Balili property when was still the governor of Cebu in 2012.