Delay in Naming Baricuatro's Political Advisor
The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) has deferred the consultancy appointment of John Ismael "Jiembo" Borgonia, following a tense exchange during a recent session. The deferral comes as the PB requested Borgonia to personally explain the importance and scope of his proposed role before confirming the appointment[1][3][4][5].
The tension between Borgonia and some board members arose after the May 2025 midterm elections, particularly during a regular session on May 26. Borgonia criticized the previous board’s acceptance of a controversial ₱1.2 billion supplemental budget under former Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, calling it “last-minute political maneuvering.” This was perceived by some members as disrespectful to the institution they represent[1][4].
Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco, in particular, expressed strong disapproval, describing the passage of that supplemental budget as “an affront to this institution" and a derogatory act that damaged the image and reputation of the Cebu Provincial Board. He emphasized that the institution would not forget or erase what was recorded in its journals concerning this incident[4].
In response, Borgonia claimed the May 21 session was conducted in bad faith, aiming to hamper the incoming administration of Governor Pamela Baricuatro. However, Borgonia has chosen to remain silent for now about the criticisms, expressing a preference for peace[1].
The deferral of Borgonia's appointment is not the only issue currently pending. The SB 1, the proposed ₱1.2 billion supplemental budget, remains under review after being returned to the Office of the Governor for further assessment[2]. The fate of the SB 1 now rests with the executive department, according to PB Member Then Glenn Soco[6].
The PB's next session is scheduled for August 19, 2025, where Borgonia is expected to attend and provide an explanation for his proposed role[1]. Until then, the Cebu Provincial Board continues its work, navigating the complexities of governance and politics in the province.
| Aspect | Details | |----------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Reason for deferral | PB requested Borgonia to attend and explain his consultancy role before confirming the appointment[1][4] | | Nature of tension | Borgonia criticized the previous PB’s approval of a controversial ₱1.2 billion supplemental budget, viewed by some as a political and institutional affront[1][4] | | Board members’ reaction | They saw Borgonia’s remarks as casting a negative light on the PB; Vice Gov. Soco strongly condemned the previous budget approval as damaging to the institution’s reputation[4] | | SB 1 Status | The SB 1 remains pending after being returned to the Office of the Governor for further assessment[2] |
The deferral of John Ismael "Jiembo" Borgonia's appointment by the Cebu Provincial Board is linked to the controversy surrounding the ₱1.2 billion supplemental budget, an issue that arose from the May 2025 midterm elections. This controversy, in particular, was caused by Borgonia's criticism of the previous board's approval of the supplemental budget, which was perceived as a political and institutional affront by some members. TheCapitolPost, PB Member Then Glenn Soco stated that the fate of the SB 1 now rests with the executive department. The Cebu Provincial Board's next session, scheduled for August 19, 2025, will provide an opportunity for Borgonia to address this issue and provide an explanation for his proposed consultancy role. (details about the reason for deferral, nature of tension, and SB 1 status)
