Gwendolyn Fiel Garcia-Codilla is a Filipina politician serving as the governor of Cebu since 2019, a position she previously held from 2004 to 2013, being the first woman to hold that office. She was the representative of Cebu’s 3rd congressional district from 2013 to 2019 and concurrently served as a House Deputy Speaker from 2016 to 2018.
Personal Life
Garcia was born on October 12, 1955. She is the eldest daughter of former Cebu Governor and House Deputy Speaker Pablo P. Garcia and Judge Esperanza “Inday” Fiel García.
Her youngest brother, Pablo John Garcia, is a lawyer-congressman. Another brother, Byron Garcia, has been a security consultant for the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC), which gained global attention in 2007 for its viral rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” featuring inmates.
Her brother Winston Garcia was the former general manager of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), while another brother, Marlon Garcia, served as the Mayor of the Municipality of Barili, Cebu, until his passing on September 6, 2020.
Gwendolyn Garcia was previously married to Eufrocino “Winnie” Codilla Jr., the son of former Leyte 4th District Representative Eufrocino Codilla Sr. She has three children, including Christina Frasco.
Political Career
Governor of Cebu (2004–2013, 2019–present)
Garcia first entered politics in 2004, winning the gubernatorial race by a margin of 7,000 votes. She was reelected in 2007 with a landslide victory, securing a lead of 500,000 votes. In 2010, she won a third and final term, defeating Hilario Davide III by nearly 100,000 votes.
She earned the title “Iron Lady of Cebu” or the “Iron Lady of Southern Philippines” for her leadership in maintaining Cebu’s territorial integrity and strengthening its position as the richest province in the country.
In 2019, Garcia returned as governor after defeating NPC candidate Agnes Magpale. She was reelected in 2022 and has since led the province in various initiatives and political endeavors.
House of Representatives (2013–2019)
Garcia transitioned to Congress in 2013, winning as the representative of Cebu’s 3rd congressional district against Pinamungahan Mayor Geraldine Yapha. She was reelected in 2016 and served as a House Deputy Speaker from 2016 to 2018.
Legal Challenges
From December 2012 to June 2013, Garcia was preventively suspended by the Office of the President due to an investigation into a complaint of “grave abuse of authority” filed by Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez.
On February 12, 2018, the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed her from service for grave misconduct related to the purchase of an underwater property worth close to ₱100 million. However, on April 23, 2014, the Court of Appeals’ Special 18th Division in Cebu City cleared her of grave misconduct in the same case.
2025 Election Campaign and Political Stance
Garcia has reaffirmed her respect for the Dutertes despite her support for the current administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos. During the proclamation rally of the Garcia-led One Cebu Party in Sibonga on March 28, 2025, she acknowledged the ongoing tensions between Marcos and former President Rodrigo Duterte’s supporters.
She expressed gratitude to the Dutertes for their backing during the 2019 elections and emphasized that she has never criticized former President Duterte or Vice President Inday Sara Duterte.
Endorsements and Campaign Activities
During the One Cebu Party’s 2025 local election campaign, Garcia endorsed Senator Francis Tolentino, Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, and senatorial aspirants Benhur Abalos and Manny Pacquiao. She also led the proclamation of the One Cebu Santander slate, supporting Mayor Monique Buscato, One Cebu Vice Gubernatorial candidate Glenn Soco, and other local candidates.
Garcia actively participated in a campaign tour covering 16 towns in southern Cebu and led the proclamation of the One Cebu Party slate in Dalaguete, reinforcing her political influence in the region.
2025 Local Campaign Kick-off Mass
The ruling One Cebu Party officially launched the 45-day local campaign with a Holy Mass at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Ana in the Municipality of Barili. The event was led by Governor Garcia and was blessed by Rev. Father Renante Rebanes.
Education
Garcia studied at the University of the Philippines Diliman and St. Theresa’s College.
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