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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Garcia bro files fresh case vs Baricuatro over planned purchase of sea ambulance

Garcia bro files fresh case vs Baricuatro over planned purchase of sea ambulance

Published Dec 1, 2025 08:15 pm
CEBU Gov. Pamela Baricuatro with the controversial sea ambulance. (Capitol PIO)
CEBU Gov. Pamela Baricuatro with the controversial sea ambulance. (Capitol PIO)


CEBU CITY – Byron Garcia and Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro are at it again.
Garcia, the outspoken brother of former Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, filed a fresh complaint against Baricuatro in connection with the Capitol’s planned procurement of a sea ambulance.
In an administrative complaint filed on Dec. 1 before the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas and the Presidential Action Center, Garcia accused Baricuatro of violating Republic Act 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees), relevant provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160), and other laws.
Garcia cited an announcement made by Baricuatro through her verified personal Facebook account that the provincial government had already purchased and owned a sea ambulance.
The post was accompanied by a photo showing Baricuatro and the sea ambulance in the background.
The Capitol’s official Facebook page of the provincial government of Cebu reportedly posted similar claims.
But during a Sangguniang Panlalawigan session on Nov. 26, it was clarified that the sea ambulance had not been purchased or formally rented and was only lent temporarily.
When the issue surfaced, Baricuatro made another Facebook post, acknowledging that the vessel is not yet owned by the province, contradicting her earlier statements.
Baricuatro clarified that the unit is a prototype and is being tested while awaiting approval for formal procurement from the Office of the President.
For Garcia, Baricuatro should be penalized over the contradicting pronouncements. He said Baricuatro’s posts were made with malice or reckless disregard for the truth.
Garcia accused Baricuatro of misleading the public and generating undeserved political credit.
During the budget deliberations, Provincial Budget Officer Danilo Rodas said there is no contract yet between the provincial government and Dynacast, the supplier of the sea ambulance.
The sea ambulance is reportedly worth P25 million.
Garcia recently filed a criminal complaint against Baricuatro for supposedly wearing a Specia Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team uniform.
Garcia said the wearing of SWAT uniform was a violation of Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes the illegal use of uniforms and insignia of government authorities.
In response, Baricuatro said the photo showing her wearing the SWAT uniform was an artificial intelligence-generated photo.
The governor shrugged off the fresh complaint filed by Garcia.
“Let him file all cases he wants. Padayon ko’g trabaho kay klaro kaayo mas malipayon karon ang Sugbo ug ang Kapitoloyo (I will continue working because it is very clear that Cebu and the Capitol are happier now),” Baricuatro said.

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Sea ambulance Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro Byron Garcia
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