Local Government Units implored for openness and transparency
Revised Article:
Outgoing Governor Gwendolyn Garcia of Cebu Province recently urged local government units (LGUs) to sign agreements for ongoing projects and liquidate financial aid, ensuring a smooth transition to the new administration.
At a post-election gathering of mayors and city officials on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, Garcia implored local leaders to commit to the implementation of solar lamps, refurbishing school armchairs, the Sugbo Maisan program, and the liquidation of financial aid given in 2019.
After her term ended on June 30, 2025, she launched her reelection bid against neophyte politician Pamela Baricuatro, who won the May 12, 2025, midterm polls.
The outgoing officials are allegedly advocating for LGU protections based on accountability.
Garcia hinted that her flagship programs could stall under the new leadership.
Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro has expressed her plans to scrutinize provincial and municipal funds and projects in the name of transparency. According to her post-election statements, she aims to initiate comprehensive audits as soon as she assumes office, emphasizing the need to "know what I have and what I can work on." This action reflects her commitment to governing based on accurate and transparent information[5].
Baricuatro emphasized that these audits are aimed at achieving transparency and accountability, signaling a shift from the perceived opacity in previous administrations, especially her campaign's focus on breaking the political monopoly of the Garcia clan and bringing about "change" demanded by Cebuanos[5][2]. Her approach signals her intention to empower citizens through open governance and avoid the overbearing leadership style she criticized in past administrations[5].
Although no specific details regarding the audit process or timelines have been disclosed in the media, Baricuatro's public statements suggest a strong commitment to transparency as a keystone of her administration[5].
- The incoming government-elect of Cebu Province, Pamela Baricuatro, has announced plans to review provincial and municipal funds and projects, aiming for transparency in line with her policy-and-legislation priorities.
- In stark contrast to the outgoing officials, Baricuatro has been vocal about advocating for local government unit (LGU) protections based on accountability, hinting at potential scrutiny of the Superbalita flagship programs implemented by Gwendolina Garcia.
- As a part of her commitment to general news, Baricuatro's focus on transparency and open governance is indicative of her ambition to break the political monopoly and establish a new era in the political landscape of Cebu.
