Capitol officials, led by Governor Pamela Baricuatro, celebrate the supposed turnover of the controversial sea ambulance. Contrary to earlier reports, Baricuatro later clarified that the vessel is only a prototype lent to the provincial government, with no formal procurement made yet.
CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — Byron Garcia, brother of former Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia, has filed another administrative complaint against Governor Pamela Baricuatro, just 11 days after his last, this time accusing Baricuatro of issuing “false and misleading” statements about the supposed purchase of sea ambulances.
Garcia lodged the complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman on December 1, 2025, citing alleged violations of Republic Act 6713, the Local Government Code, and other relevant laws.
In his affidavit, Garcia claimed Baricuatro misrepresented the procurement status of two sea ambulances through official and personal social media posts.
He said the governor publicly asserted that the Provincial Government of Cebu had already purchased and owned a sea ambulance, despite no completed transaction with the supplier.
Garcia noted that Baricuatro first made the claim on October 7 via her verified Facebook account.
The provincial government’s official Facebook page carried a similar post, reinforcing the impression that the province had acquired the vessel.
However, Garcia pointed out that during budget deliberations, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) clarified that no purchase had been made. Officials revealed the vessel was merely lent to the Capitol for temporary use.
In a report published by The Freeman, PDRRMO head Dennis Pastor and Provincial Budget Officer Danilo Rodas told SP members that supplier Dynacast had provided the ambulance boat for test runs as part of a market survey.
Rodas further explained that no contract or rental agreement existed between the province and the supplier, and that the “Province of Cebu” markings on the vessel were part of the supplier’s marketing presentation.
Despite these clarifications, Garcia said Baricuatro continued to insist online that the ambulance had been procured.
He cited a November 29 Facebook post from the governor, which he described as a “belated attempt to correct” her earlier claim but one that, in his view, underscored the falsity of her initial statements.
Garcia argued that the posts gave Baricuatro undeserved political credit and misled the public about supposed government accomplishments.
He added that her statements eroded public trust in the provincial government.
In a text message sent from The Freeman, Garcia said: “Sobra na ang bakak aning bayhana… its time to teach her a lesson or two about good manners and right/proper conduct.”
“God said…‘It’s a sin to lie’,” he added.
This marks the second complaint Garcia has filed against Baricuatro in less than two weeks.
On November 21, he lodged a separate case before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, accusing the governor of violating Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code over a viral photo showing her in SWAT uniform.
Baricuatro denied the allegation, insisting the image was AI-generated.
Reacting to the new complaint, Baricuatro brushed it off, saying she remains focused on her duties.
“Let him file all the cases he wants. I will face him in court. Padayon kog trabaho kay klaro kaayo mas malipayon karon ang Sugbo ug ang Kapitolyo,” the governor said.
| Written by Jonnavie Villa
