MANILA — The Court of Appeals (CA) has cleared Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia of misconduct charges related to the controversial desilting of the Mananga River, reversing an earlier ruling by the Office of the Ombudsman. The appellate court found no evidence of bad faith or corrupt intent in her actions.

In a decision promulgated on February 24, 2026, the CA’s Eleventh Division granted Garcia’s petition for review, dismissing the Ombudsman’s ruling that had previously found her guilty of simple misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. The case stemmed from Garcia’s issuance of Special Permit 2024-09 in May 2024, which allowed a construction company to undertake desilting operations in the Mananga River without an environmental compliance certificate or prior consultations.

The appellate court emphasized that Garcia was acting within her authority to implement emergency measures during a declared state of calamity. “Absent any evidence establishing bad faith, petitioner cannot be held liable for any other grave offense classified under the Civil Service Law,” the ruling stated.

The complaint was filed by Moises Deiparine, who alleged that Garcia’s actions were irregular and prejudicial to public interest. However, the CA noted that Deiparine failed to prove that Garcia acted with “wrongful and corrupt intention.”

This ruling effectively overturns Garcia’s suspension and clears her of administrative liability, ending a legal battle that has spanned nearly two years. The decision is seen as a significant vindication for Garcia, who has consistently maintained that her actions were motivated by the need to protect communities from flooding.

The case has drawn attention in Cebu politics, with Garcia’s allies framing the decision as proof of her commitment to public service, while critics argue that the controversy underscores the need for stricter oversight in environmental and infrastructure projects.

With the CA’s ruling, Garcia is now free from administrative sanctions, though the decision may still be subject to appeal before the Supreme Court. For now, the judgment restores her standing and clears her record of misconduct allegations.