THE 17th Cebu Provincial Board has approved the granting of authority to three Capitol personnel designated by Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro to sign documents in her absence from the office.
These individuals are Provincial Administrator Ace Durano, Provincial Assistant Administrator Aldwin Empaces, and Chief of Staff Paolo Uy.
The resolution was sponsored by ex-officio member Celestino "Tining" Martinez during their regular session on August 4, 2025.
Martinez said the governor's request was certified as urgent.
The governor’s request includes authorization to sign documents related to maintenance, electricity, internet connection, and others.
During the discussion, Board Member Nilo Seno from the Sixth District requested clarification regarding the governor’s request, citing a provision under the Local Government Code that delegates may sign on the governor’s behalf for up to 30 days. Beyond that, the vice governor shall assume the authority to sign.
"Subsequently Board Member Seno made a clarification on the issue on legal while the power of delegation is discretionary on the part of the governor but there are some matters that need to be in accordance with the Local Government Code and the legal basis for the amendment the authority given to Ace Durano and others, it was made subject to limitations under the Local Government Code," said Mondigo.
"If the absence exceeds 30 days under the Local Government Code, the vice governor will assume power," he added.
Meanwhile, Martinez mentioned that the governor has additional requests, such as authorization to sign fund transfers or financial assistance, which only the governor can designate who may sign.
"There were some other items nga gi request sa governor nga dili sad namo mahatag kay dili sad siya ma-delegate. So amo na lang gibutang didto nga the other items that were requested from us, amo na lang i-noted but she could very well if she would want to, siya na lang mo execute og executive order cause it’s not in our per view nga kami mohatag og authority on whether or not, for example, kaning fund transfer,” said Martinez.
(There were some other items requested by the governor that we cannot approve because they are non-delegable. So, we simply noted them in the resolution. If she wishes, she may issue an executive order because it is beyond our authority to grant, for example, fund transfer signing authority.)
Martinez also explained that there are qualifications for those who may be authorized to sign.
“I would believe more of kinsay tagaan or of the authority most likely administrator, of course. Trust and confidence or department head. Dili siya pwede contractual,” he added.
(I believe those who may be given the authority are likely administrators or department heads -- individuals with trust and confidence -- not contractual employees.) (ANV)
