Baricuatro slams garcia’s trust funds: ‘Political sabotage’

CEBU, Philippines —  With less than two weeks before she assumes office, Cebu Governor-elect Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro has condemned the issuance of a memorandum by outgoing Governor Gwendolyn Garcia that establishes trust funds for at least 15 provincial programs—calling it a “last-minute political sabotage” against her incoming administration.

In a strongly worded Facebook statement, Baricuatro accused Garcia of abusing her authority by manipulating the provincial budget and creating new trust funds just days before the official transition of power.

“This act of sabotage undermines the trust placed in us by the people of Cebu and threatens the fiscal integrity of our province,” Baricuatro wrote

The post, which has garnered nearly 37,000 reactions and 2,700 shares, also described the memorandum as a “blatant disregard for the principles of good governance and democratic transition,” accusing the outgoing governor of circumventing democratic norms to maintain influence beyond her term.

She said Memorandum No. 36-2025 was crafted to “hinder the incoming administration’s ability to serve effectively” and vowed that such political tactics would be countered to safeguard Cebu’s democratic institutions.

Baricuatro assured the public that her administration would thoroughly review the memorandum, stressing that any illegal or questionable provisions would be carefully evaluated and, if necessary, revoked.

She also signaled that legal action could be pursued to uphold the rule of law and to ensure transparency in the management of the province’s resources.

In her statement, Baricuatro called on public officials and stakeholders to uphold integrity, respect the electoral mandate, and prioritize public welfare over political interests.

She emphasized that true leadership is measured by service, humility, and fidelity to the people’s trust—not last-minute maneuvers to preserve political control.

“Let this serve as a clear message: We will not be intimidated or divided by attempts to undermine our democratic institutions,” she concluded.

The memorandum, issued on June 16, was addressed to Cebu Provincial Treasurer Atty. Roy G. Salubre.

It ordered the creation of several trust funds using the province’s revenues to support programs such as Suroy-Suroy Sugbo, Sugbo Segurado, and Sugbo Negosyo.

Garcia cited Section 309(b) of the Local Government Code of 1991 and relevant Commission on Audit (COA) rules as legal bases for the memorandum.

The document also outlined trust funds for other ongoing and new projects, including Sugbo Kahanas, Sugbo Patubig (for water systems in Carmen and Moalboal), Sugbo Kuryente in Malapascua, Sugbo Semento, and Sugbo Sentro.

Additional allocations would cover tourism-related activities such as canyoneering and river adventures, sales from Capitol-owned lots, earnings from overnight fund placements, the Mactan-Cebu Bridge Management Board, and initiatives under the 20 percent Development Fund.

The memorandum further called for the establishment of trust funds for the Development and Livelihood Fund (DLF) and for Reforestation, Watershed, Health, and Environment programs, in accordance with Republic Act 7638 or the Department of Energy Act of 1992.

According to the Commission on Audit, trust funds are public funds reserved for specific purposes. These funds must remain separate from the province’s regular budget and cannot be used for general expenditures. (CEBU NEWS)