Baricuatro, Garcia clash over transition
‘These are public documents. They should be accessible not just to us, but to the public.’
Daily Tribune‘These are public documents. They should be accessible not just to us, but to the public.’
CEBU CITY — Cebu Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro on Thursday warned of possible “People Power” protests if outgoing Governor Gwendolyn Garcia refuses to cooperate with a peaceful transition of power.
“I have no control if the people want that — to hold a rally, to have People Power in front of the Capitol. That’s what I’ve been hearing from the grassroots,” Baricuatro told Daily Tribune. “If they don’t turn over [the documents] to me, that’s what will happen.”
With just 16 days before Baricuatro’s term officially begins on 30 June, the transition teams of both camps have yet to meet. Baricuatro’s camp has also yet to receive the necessary documents for review.
“We have a timeline set. By June 16 or 17, we expect feedback so the formal turnover process can begin,” she added.
Baricuatro’s transition team chair, Atty. Edmund Lao, earlier said reviewing the documents could take at least 15 days, possibly more.
Unlike other local government units in Cebu like Cebu City and Mandaue City — where transition processes are already underway —Cebu province’s transition remains stalled.
Baricuatro claimed Garcia initially issued an executive order barring department heads from engaging with her team, which has slowed the process.
“Hopefully by June 16, the materials we requested will finally be turned over,” she said.
Lao clarified that they are not asking for confidential records, only essential documents such as status reports on programs, budget utilization, personnel assignments, and other public records to help properly orient the incoming administration.
“These are public documents. They should be accessible not just to us, but to the public,” Lao stressed.