THE transition team of Gov. -elect Pam Baricuatro is pushing ahead with preparations for the June 30, 2025, turnover, despite the absence of formal coordination from the outgoing Capitol administration.
In a statement from Baricuatro’s camp on Friday, June 20, the transition team, led by lawyer Ed Lao, met with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Cebu Provincial Director Jesus Sastrillo Jr. on Thursday, June 19. The meeting aimed to align transition efforts in accordance with Section 445 of the Local Government Code, which mandates that the new governor must assume office at exactly noon on June 30.
Sastrillo confirmed that no joint transition meetings have taken place with officials of the outgoing administration, but noted that several department heads have begun submitting initial turnover documents. The DILG has also made a secure digital platform available for both teams to ensure the safe and orderly exchange of documents.
“We are doing everything within legal bounds to prepare for Governor Pam’s assumption on June 30,” said Lao. “The people of Cebu deserve a stable and transparent government from Day One — and we will deliver,” he added.
National briefings have been scheduled for newly elected governors, including an executive orientation before July 1 and the NEOPlus Governance Training Program on July 15 to 16.
Locally, the transition team has proposed a turnover program on June 30, which includes ceremonial proceedings for Baricuatro’s formal assumption of office. This will be further discussed with the DILG provincial office.
Spokesman Ruben Licera emphasized that the team’s actions are guided by the principles of professionalism, transparency, inclusivity and accountability.
“For Governor-elect Baricuatro, it’s not just about transferring documents — it’s about protecting the public’s interest and trust,” he said.
In a brief message to the team, Baricuatro reaffirmed her commitment to serve with integrity and unity.
“Sa Hunyo 30, magsugod ang serbisyo sa usa ka gobernador nga gikan sa katawhan, ug para sa katawhan,” she said.
(On June 30, the service of a governor who is from the people, and for the people, will begin.)
She further added, “As the People’s Governor, I will officially begin my work of inclusive, transparent and heart-led leadership for the people on the said date.”
As of this writing, it remains unclear whether outgoing Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia will attend the turnover ceremony. The transition team said it remains committed to ensuring a smooth and respectful transition, with national agencies such as the DILG, Department of Budget and Management and Commission on Audit already looped into the process. /CDF