AS THE Cebu Provincial Government prepares for a leadership shift, Vice Gov.-elect Glenn Anthony Soco called on members of the incoming 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan or Provincial Board (PB) to foster unity and collaboration, even as the executive and legislative branches now stand on opposing political sides.
Speaking during the Gabii sa Pasalamat on Saturday, June 28, 2025, Soco acknowledged the incoming administration and urged fellow board members to rise above political divisions to serve the people of Cebu.
“As we enter into a new administration, I enjoin my fellow members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to foster an air of cooperation and collaboration… with profound humility, integrity and efficiency,” said Soco, who won the vice gubernatorial race with over one million votes under the One Cebu banner.
His call for unity comes at a crucial time as the legislative body, composed mostly of One Cebu allies, prepares to work with incoming governor Pamela Baricuatro, who defeated Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, a longtime political force in Cebu.
“Goodbyes are not forever”
During the same event, the outgoing governor delivered a farewell speech, expressing gratitude to national agencies, private partners and the Cebuano people for their support over her years in service.
“I had fought the good fight, I had stayed the course, I have kept the faith,” Garcia said, recalling her past transition in 2013 when Hilario Davide III succeeded her after her brother Pablo John Garcia lost the election.
In a speech that struck a gentler tone than usual, Garcia reminded the crowd that her departure was not final.
“Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. It simply means I’ll be missing you until we meet again,” she said.
She capped her speech with the familiar line: “Hasta la vista, baby” — a nod to her enduring political presence and possible return.
PB members take oath
The evening also marked the formal oathtaking of the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan, all of whom ran under the One Cebu Party. Garcia administered their oaths.
Among those sworn in were:
1st District: Antonio “Jojo” Bacaltos Jr. and Lakambini Reluya
2nd District: Stanley “Doc Stanley” Caminero and Raymond Calderon
3rd District: Julius Anthony “Oloy” Corominas and Dason Lorenz Lagon (who replaced John Ismael Borgonia after his withdrawal)
4th District: Kerrie Keane Shimura and Nelson Mondigo
5th District: Andrei “Red” Duterte and Michael Joseph “Mike” Villamor
6th District: Dason Larenz Lagon and Alfred Francis “Alfie” Ouano
7th District: Paz “Lingling” Rozgoni and Cesar “Sarsi” Baricuatro
Lone District of Mandaue City: Malcolm Sanchez and Nilo Seno
Mandaue’s Sanchez said the oath was more than ceremonial: “It is a solid purpose and declaration to serve, to listen and to lead.” He thanked Garcia for her guidance and credited her for “a legacy of good governance.”
PB Member Duterte highlighted his programs that impacted millions of Cebuanos through partnerships with both public and private sectors.
“You can say that these six years were memorable, sometimes controversial… but I think we can all agree, it was never dull,” he said.
Despite differences between the executive and legislative, Soco vowed to lead the PB with respect for the mandate they received and for the interest of Cebu.
“To our beloved Cebuanos, it is from all of you where we grow our strength and sense of purpose. Your votes shall never be put to waste,” he said.
Garcia’s leadership ends at noon on Monday, June 30, while political neophyte Baricuatro’s administration will start. / CDF