CEBU, PHILIPPINES —Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro said the provincial government will create a technical working group (TWG) to further review the proposed tax compromise agreement with Apo Land and Quarry Corporation (ALQC), after the Provincial Board returned the measure for additional evaluation.
Baricuatro clarified that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) did not reject the proposal but instead sent it back to the Executive Department for further study and clarification.
“Chill ra gyud ko. I think it was taken out of context,” Baricuatro said.
“It was not rejected at all,” she added, emphasizing that the move was based on a committee recommendation to form a TWG.
She said the TWG will be tasked to thoroughly examine the proposed agreement and address all outstanding concerns.
“Ang committee submitted a recommendation that I create a technical working group to look into it. Na pwede matawag ako, pwede matawag ang Apo (ALQC) to shed light on the matter,” she said.
The governor added that the TWG may include representatives from both the provincial government and ALQC to help clarify key issues surrounding the proposal. Baricuatro also downplayed any perceived rift between her office and the Provincial Board.
“Everything is okay between us, me and the board, no issue. We’re working closely together gyud,” she said.
She cautioned against rushing the process, stressing the need for careful deliberation given the amount involved.
“Only fools rush in, diba? We’re really looking into this… we want to be very elaborate on this one and make sure we’re doing the right thing for the Cebuanos,” she said.
LEGAL CASE UNAFFECTED
The governor assured that the formation of the TWG will not affect the ongoing legal case involving ALQC.
“The case is always been there. So it was just a proposal… I think it shouldn’t get on the way (sic), right? ” she said.
The provincial government’s claim against ALQC arises from quarry-related charges under the Cebu Provincial Revenue Code of 2008, including extraction taxes, monitoring fees, environmental enhancement fees, as well as surcharges, interests, and penalties.
The dispute involves a 2022 tax assessment exceeding ₱1.2 billion, which ALQC has challenged in a civil case pending before Regional Trial Court Branch 19 in Cebu City.
Earlier, the SP returned the proposed resolution authorizing the governor to enter into a compromise agreement worth ₱211.56 million.
The Committee on Ways and Means cited several concerns, including the lack of prior authority from the board for the governor to negotiate the deal.
Board Member Michael Villamor, committee chair, also pointed to the wide gap between the original assessment and the proposed settlement amount.
Despite this, the board maintained it is not opposed to compromise agreements, provided they are fair and legally sound.
ACTING GOVERNOR ISSUE
Baricuatro also addressed questions over the delayed designation of Vice Governor Glenn Soco as acting governor during her recent trip abroad.
“You know what, I did the right thing. Everything was legal. I was given approval… to travel by the DILG,” she said.
She explained that it is the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), not her office, that should formally notify the Office of the Vice Governor regarding such designation.
“It’s supposed to be the DILG to inform the Office of the Vice Governor. It’s not my prerogative to tell him,” she said.
According to the governor, the delay stemmed from a communication lapse within the DILG.
“Ang nahitabo lang gyud wala dayun kahibaw ang official director nga naa na diay ang akong authority to travel… wala siya na inform sa iyang secretary,” she said.
Despite the issue, Baricuatro said no harm was done, noting that Soco assumed the role by operation of law during her absence from April 4 to April 8.
‘NO HARMS DONE’
The governor also responded to criticism over her trip, which coincided with Holy Week and recent developments in the province.
“No harms been done. We have to look into… work and life balance, kinahanglan sad ta mo unwind,” she said.
Baricuatro acknowledged facing intense public scrutiny, including online attacks.
“Grabe to ha ang Holy Week… mura kog nagpas-an sa krus. Grabe kaayo ang troll nya ang pangdaot ningguwa nako,” she said.
She said she left for Japan over the weekend and continued working while abroad.
“I was working the whole time even Thursday and Friday,” she said.
Addressing criticism linking her absence to unforeseen events such as an earthquake, she said such incidents are beyond anyone’s control.
“Dili man gyud na maplano ang linog, it’s something that happens,” she said.
Baricuatro stressed the importance of maintaining personal well-being amid the demands of public service.
“I also have to look after my wellness and my mental health,” she said.
Amid all the online bashing, the governor reaffirmed her commitment to public service.
“But padayon lang gihapon ta… our mandate is to serve the people. So we are here to serve with a smile,” she said.
| Written by Jonnavie Villa, Staff Member, Sandara Laurente, CTU-Tuburan Intern/FPL
