Baricuatro’s transition team seeking DILG guidance for smooth handover

CEBU, Philippines — Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro’s transition team formally reached out to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on May 19 to begin preparations for the orderly and transparent assumption of office set on June 30, 2025.

In a letter dated May 19, Baricuatro asked DILG Provincial Director Dr. Jesus Robel Sastrillo Jr. to coordinate with her Local Governance Transition Team (LGTT), in line with DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2025-016, which outlines the official process for power transitions following local elections.

"All Provincial Governors, City Mayors and Municipal Mayors are hereby encouraged to establish a Local Governance Transition Team (LGTT) at least two (2) months before the end of the term of the current administration. This preemptive measure guarantees sufficient time and preparation for the transition process,” wrote a portion of Local Governance Transition Team under the DILG Memorandum Circular.

DILG Regional Director Leocadio Trovela also explained to The Freeman the process and necessity of following the transition process "to ensure and facilitate an orderly transfer of responsibilities and uphold service continuity. This "minimizes disruptions and provides clarity for both outgoing and incoming officials," he added.

Atty. Edmund Lao, head of Baricuatro's transition team, emphasized that their coordination with the DILG is based on the legal mandate of the memorandum and the Local Government Code of 1991, which holds officials accountable for all LGU properties and records.

Legal basis for transition

The transition process, according to Trovela, is grounded in several provisions of the Local Government Code (RA 7160), including Section 375–377 that define primary and secondary accountability for government property, the responsibilities for its safekeeping, and the liability of accountable officers for its loss or misuse.

Section 43 (a) further mandates that newly elected officials assume office at noon on June 30 following the election and Section 92 requires all officials to subscribe to an oath of office before assuming duties. RA 7166, Section 14 also bars newly elected officials from assuming office without filing a statement of contributions and expenditures.

Duties of the LGTT

Per DILG Memorandum 2025-016, LGUs must form LGTTs at least two months before the end of an administration to allow ample time for preparations.

The LGTT is tasked with ensuring a seamless handover to incoming officials, including several responsibilities like the inventory of LGU Properties.

As such, a detailed list of all immovable and movable properties, complete with photos, locations, and condition reports, must be completed and the inventory will serve as an official record for both the outgoing and incoming administrations.

The LGTT is also tasked to preserve official records and documents, like Development plans, Annual budgets and procurement plans, Audit reports, Executive orders, ordinances, and staffing patterns, COA reports and financial disclosures, Land use and investment programs, and Citizen’s Charters and disaster preparedness reports.

Further, outgoing officials must complete and submit prescribed turnover forms, brief incoming leaders, and participate in formal ceremonies. The transition includes comprehensive orientation on governance, key programs, and pending projects.

LGUs must also submit a Final Transition Report (FTR) to the DILG Secretary through the Bureau of Local Government Supervision (BLGS), summarizing all activities, challenges encountered, and recommended improvements.

Based on the information provided by DILG, the LGTTs by default, is chaired by the incumbent Local Chief Executive, while other members include department heads, Local Sanggunian Secretary, the DILG field officer (Provincial, City, or Municipal), and a representative from an accredited civil society or people’s organization.

In the case of a new administration, like Baricuatro’s, the DILG will work with both outgoing and incoming teams to facilitate coordination and adherence to transition protocols.

Lao further said the Baricuatro team hopes to soon meet with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s transition team to begin synchronized planning.

“We are very optimistic, hopeful nga it will pave a way for a smooth transition aron ang services will be continuous didto sa kaayuhan sa mga Sugboanon,” said Lao.

Additionally, Lao said that DILG Provincial Director Sastrillo will meet with the office of outgoing Governor Garcia to agree on the transition activities and timeline.

Lao, along with his team, hopes that by next week, DILG Provincial Director Sastrillo and Governor Garcia will be able to agree on the transition activities.

"Hopefully magkameet ang duha ka committees, transition team on the part of the province and the transition on the part of Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro," said Lao.

Lao said that, more than anything else, it is the duty of all parties to comply with the procedures outlined in the memorandum circular—for the benefit of the Cebuanos.

A separate letter was also sent to the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7) to ensure public order and security during the transition period.

On human resource matters, Lao said current provincial employees will be evaluated based on merit.

“Si Gov Pam is after the welfare nila and committed siya to follow rules on the employment,” he said.

He added that while no disruption in services is expected during the transition, the team remains committed to ensuring that all government processes are followed properly and professionally.

Team Baricuatro introduced

Apart from Atty. Lao who will serve as the chairperson, Baricuatro’s LGTT was introduced as follows: Vice Chairperson Paulo Uy (IT and Digital); Spokesperson Ruben Licera (Media, Info, and Tourism); Members: Aldwin Empaces (Administration); Atty. Rubie Virtucio (Legal and Legislation); Mayor Titing Esgana (Budget and Audit) and Ferliza Contratista (HR and Communications).

Licera, reading Baricuatro’s message, said her overwhelming 1.1 million-vote mandate in the May 12 elections reflected the people’s call for genuine change in Cebu governance.

“Ang resulta sa eleksyon usa ka kusog ug klaro nga tingog sa katawhan — usa ka panawagan alang sa kabag-uhan ug tinuod nga kalambuan sa Sugbo,” Baricuatro's message read. — (FREEMAN)