GARCIA (FB)
Incoming Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro expressed displeasure over the move of outgoing Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia to create trust funds for several programs in the province.
“I am deeply disappointed and appalled by the recent actions of the outgoing governor,” Baricuatro said in a Facebook post.
Baricuatro was referring to Memorandum No. 36-2025 which ordered the creation of trust funds for at least 15 major provincial government programs.
false>Under the directive entitled “Creation and Establishment of Trust Funds for Various Programs of the Province of Cebu,” the
provincial treasurer was instructed to earmark funds for specific Capitol initiatives.Garcia cited Section 309(b) of the Local Government Code of 1991 and Commission on Audit (COA) Circular 92-382 as legal basis for the creation of the trust funds.
The memorandum stated that any previous issuances inconsistent with this order are automatically revoked.
Baricuatro described the creation of trust funds as an act of sabotage.
“This act of sabotage undermines the trust placed in us by the people of Cebu and threatens the fiscal integrity of our province,” Baricuatro said. “It is an abuse of power designed to hinder the incoming administration’s ability to serve effectively.”
Baricuatro said Garcia’s order will be reviewed once he assumes office on June 30.
“We will review, assess, and, if necessary, revoke any illegal or questionable provisions of this memorandum,” she said. “We will pursue all legal remedies to ensure that the rule of law prevails and that the province’s resources are used transparently and for the benefit of all Cebuanos.”
Baricuatro defeated Garcia by approximately 300,000 votes in the May elections.