CEBU Governor Pamela Baricuatro said she was not surprised that former governor Gwendolyn Garcia was absent from the Capitol’s ceremonial turnover on Monday, June 30, 2025.
In a short media interview after the turnover ceremony, Baricuatro said that Garcia’s administration had not cooperated in the transition process weeks before.
“I’m not surprised, considering nga our transition did not happen,” said Baricuatro.
“Supposedly, kung nahatag pa ang transition weeks ago we could’ve done so much by now. I’m not surprised, really, it’s her choice,” she added.
Baricuatro, however, expressed gratitude to Garcia for her service, adding that this is a time for healing while Baricuatro focuses on her responsibilities.
“Some things are left as it should be, some things ‘has beens,’ let’s move on, let’s move forward and serve the people,” she said.
The new governor said the turnover was “sweet,” adding that she is now thinking of the responsibilities that have handed over to her.
“Colorless” administration
Baricuatro is set to have her inaugural session at the Capitol on Tuesday, July 1.
She added that she and her team will review the performance of job order employees at the Capitol to determine who will be retained.
On Monday afternoon, the new governor signed her first 12 executive orders.
Baricuatro assured that her support of former president Rodrigo Duterte would not hinder her from serving the public, adding that her priority is Cebu Province.
“This is going to be a colorless administration, my priority is the Cebu Province people... we have to work,” she said, emphasizing that her governance would be inclusive. / JPS