CEBU Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro has expressed strong disapproval of outgoing Governor Gwendolyn Garcia's move to create new trust funds to secure funding for her flagship programs amid the leadership transition.
In a statement on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Baricuatro said she intends to review, assess, and, if necessary, revoke any illegal or questionable provisions of the memorandum.
She added that legal remedies remain an option to ensure that the rule of law prevails and that the province’s resources are used properly.
Baricuatro was referring to Garcia’s Memorandum No. 36-2025, issued on June 16, just weeks before Garcia’s term ends on June 30.
Baricuatro described it as a last-minute attempt to manipulate the provincial budget.
She condemned the action as a “blatant disregard for the principles of good governance and democratic transition” and an “outright violation of legal and ethical standards.”
She further said that it was an act of sabotage that undermines public trust and threatens the fiscal integrity of Cebu Province.
Baricuatro also described Garcia’s move as an “abuse of power designed to hinder the incoming administration’s ability to serve effectively.”
In Memorandum No. 36-2025, Garcia directed Provincial Treasurer Roy Salubre to establish trust funds for various provincial programs, including flagship initiatives such as Suroy-Suroy Sugbo, Sugbo Segurado, Sugbo Negosyo, among others.
Baricuatro called on officials and stakeholders to uphold integrity, respect the democratic process, and prioritize the welfare of the people over partisan interests.
She affirmed her commitment to restoring transparency, accountability, and progress in Cebu.
The governor-elect concluded that her administration “will not be intimidated or divided by attempts to undermine our democratic institutions.” (EHP)