The ongoing flood control project in Barangay Casuntingan in Mandaue City. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro suspends more than 150 infrastructure projects across the province, ordering a comprehensive review and audit.
| Photo by Joy Torrejos
CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has ordered the suspension of more than 150 infrastructure and waterworks projects across the province, pending a comprehensive review and audit to ensure contractors compliance with procurement rules.
The suspension, which will remain in effect until further notice, covers 140 projects under the Provincial Engineering Office’s (PEO) Construction Division and 14 under its Waterworks Division. These were projects left by former governor Gwen Garcia’s administration.
In a memorandum dated July 28, 2025, Baricuatro directed the immediate stoppage of all work-related activities on ongoing projects, citing the need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to procurement laws, government auditing standards, and related regulations.
As of August 22, all construction operations—including excavation, civil works, electrical installations, and material mobilization—have been halted.
“Immediate suspension of all infrastructure projects for review and audit,” the memorandum stated.
The review will examine project plans, contracts, and implementation processes to detect compliance gaps and areas needing improvement. Contractors are required to secure sites, backfill open trenches, and address potential hazards to ensure public safety. They must also safeguard equipment, restore critical works, and maintain site integrity while projects remain on hold.
PEO head Engr. Hector Jamora confirmed the directive and said compliance reviews are ongoing.
“Ang ubang projects nga ni comply ra sa tanan requirement is pwede ra makabalik immediately,” Jamora said, noting that compliant projects may resume sooner.
He clarified that this review process is separate from the 30-day suspension on quarry operations issued last July 28, when Baricuatro also halted quarrying, sand and gravel extraction, and special disposal activities across the province.
“Anytime nga makita namo nga klaro ang contracts ug compliant ang process, amo dayon i-resume,” Jamora said, stressing that strict adherence to procurement rules is the main concern.
Provincial Information Officer Ainjeliz Dela Torre-Orong said the move reflects Governor Baricuatro’s governance principles.
“It also depends on the contractors kay kung naa tanan ilahang papers, mohatag sila dayon, moanhi sila sa Capitol, they will clear everything up. But if they didn’t cut corners, if they have all the documents needed, they would not have any concerns,” Orong said.
She added that some projects nearing completion have already been cleared for resumption. The review, she said, balances transparency with concern for workers and communities affected by the suspension.
Former ally questions order
The suspension, however, has drawn criticism from former Santa Fe mayor Jose “Titing” Esgana, once a member of Baricuatro’s transition team.
In a Facebook Live broadcast, Esgana questioned the practicality of halting infrastructure works, particularly road projects.
“Unsa may mahitabo unya sa mga karsada nga labi na opening of roads or maintenance of roads but labi na sa uwan nga kinahanglan ma sementohan?” he asked.
“Ihunong diay na nato, wala ba ta nagtan-aw sa mga katawhan nga walay kaagian or sa mga sakyanan?” he added.
Esgana argued that infrastructure projects already undergo standard processes and questioned the need for a blanket suspension. He said it is unusual for government to halt all projects for audit, noting that delays typically stem from contractor requests rather than government orders.
He also urged Capitol to clarify who will conduct the audit and whether the Commission on Audit or other agencies will be involved, stressing the importance of accountability.
“I have to challenge the administration… I think it’s about time na e-present sa probinsya sa Sugbo pinaagi sa atong gobernadora, kinsa kana nga team ang nag-audit,” he said.
| Written by Jonnavie Villa
