Ombudsman probes Garcia’s allegations
By Nycel Jane Dela & Edalyn Acta
Three years after losing his job at the Capiz Provincial Capitol, Fernando F. Garcia Jr. hogged the media limelight again as the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas has probed the series of complaints he filed while also facing new accusations from a former municipal mayor.
Foremost, the Ombudsman Visayas ordered Governor Fredenil “Oto” Castro, Vice Governor James “Mitang” Magbanua and three others to submit counter-affidavits as responses to Garcia’s complaints in relation to the hiring of 14 contractual lawyers.
Filed last January 2024, Garcia questioned the Castro administration’s hiring of contractual lawyers in 2022 despite the existence of a Provincial Legal Office.
“Ina nga mga panumbongon, kalokohan lang gid ina! (Those accusations are pure nonsense!),” Castro said during a September 17, 2026 medical-dental mission in Dao.
The governor maintained there was nothing improper about hiring additional lawyers as they are needed for the provincial government’s legal requirements and operations.
Also included in Garcia’s complaints are Provincial Administrator Atty. Arthur Biñas, Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Maria Leobeth Deslate-Delicana and Secretary to the Provincial Board Zoe Herrera Jr.
Garcia vs Mayo
Garcia is facing multiple counts of perjury filed by former mayor Tito Mayo of Cuartero and Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Member Eileen Palmes.
The perjury complaints filed before the Roxas City Prosecutor’s Office last September 18, 2026 is related to a December 2025 sworn affidavit by Garcia when he accused Palmes of illegal procurement of petroleum supply that allegedly did not undergo bidding. But documents show it was legal under the Negotiated Procurement–Direct Retail Purchase.
In that same sworn affidavit, Garcia also falsely claimed that Palmes is related by blood to Mayo. But both Mayo and Palmes denied they are relatives.
To recall, Garcia was the complainant in the case that led to the 2025 perpetual disqualification of Mayo by the Ombudsman. Mayo was found guilty of violating the Anti-Red Tape Act for alleged illegal construction and operations of a cockfighting arena.
Garcia also accused Mayo of having a stake in the cockfighting operations, but this was denied by the former mayor.
Garcia vs Thea Faith Reyes
Another Garcia-related issue has also resurfaced with the Ombudsman announcing it will soon render a decision on the complaints filed against former Provincial Board member Thea Faith Reyes for allegedly hiring a ghost employee.
Garcia’s sisters Marynol F. Garcia and Gemma F. Garcia filed complaints against Reyes for alleged violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service.
The Ombudsman said in an order dated April 20, 2026 that no further pleadings or documents will be entertained
2023 Capitol dismissal
It was in July 2023 when Garcia was removed from his job at the Capiz Provincial Board for allegedly forging names and signatures of beneficiaries of a financial aid program.
Garcia faced criminal complaints filed by the Castro administration for the alleged forgery, but was later dismissed by local prosecutors.
Garcia worked as a legislative staff officer of Provincial Board Member Aldwin Cruz when he was terminated from employment in July 2023.
Garcia also used to work for the office of Eleuper “Bulilit” Martinez when the latter was still a member of the Provincial Board. (Photo by Edalyn Acta)
