Cebu vice governor vows independence as 17th SP holds inaugural session

Local

“WE will bow to no one but the will of the people.”

With this statement, Cebu Vice Gov. Glenn Soco opened the inaugural session of the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cebu on Monday, July 7, 2025, affirming his commitment to legislative independence and principled governance as the province enters a new political term.

This was given emphasis as Soco, presiding over the session at the Legislative Building in the Capitol Compound, addressed fellow board members and guests.

He highlighted the board’s role as a co-equal branch of government—one that must craft laws rooted in public interest and remain steadfast in protecting the integrity of the institution.

He emphasized that each member of the body was elected not for personal ambition but to carry out a shared responsibility to serve.

Soco acknowledged lingering doubts among some sectors about the independence of the legislature in light of political alignments but assured the public that the board will perform its role without influence from external forces.

The 20 members of the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan, including the presideng officer or the vice governor, are aligned with former Governor Gwendolyn Garcia or under the local party One Cebu.

Pam joins session

Additionally, the newly elected govenor appeared before the board after Soco’s speech, thanked members for attending her own oath-taking, describing their presence as a powerful symbol of collaboration across party lines.

“That was more than just courtesy—it was a message. A message that despite party differences, we can still choose to stand together," Gov. Pamela Baricuatro said.

In her address, Baricuatro reiterated her promise of leading a “colorless” administration that welcomes cooperation from all sides of the political spectrum.

She emphasized that public service must be centered on the welfare of all Cebuanos regardless of who they voted for.

She invited the board to work with her on key policy priorities, including a shift in budgeting practices, expanded public consultation, and an overhaul of several outdated ordinances.

Baricuatro proposed crafting a participatory “People’s Budget,” wherein stakeholders will have a greater say in how funds are allocated.

She also called for realigning funds from Capitol-led tourism events such as Suroy Suroy Sugbo and Pasigarbo sa Sugbo toward essential services like healthcare.

In addition, she announced her intention to discontinue the Sugbo Semento program, which she described as a non-essential spending initiative, and redirect the funds to food security and technical education programs aligned with labor market demand.

The governor also asked the legislature to support several policy reforms, including the passage of a Freedom of Information Ordinance, the creation of a Provincial Investment and Promotions Office, the revision of the Cebu Investment Code, and the establishment of a dedicated Provincial Tourism Department.

She also proposed institutionalizing disaster preparedness through the creation of a Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department, amending the Reclamation Ordinance to reflect national environmental standards, and updating the province’s Revenue Code.

Baricuatro ended her speech by urging board members to work toward a shared vision, saying "this is not about who gets the credit. This is about getting things done,” she said.

Following the governor’s message, the provincial board confirmed its internal leadership and announced the heads of its 35 standing committees.

Committee leadership

Board Member Andrei “Red” Duterte will serve as majority floor leader, while Board Member Kerrie Keanne Shimura has been designated assistant floor leader.

Board Member Celestino “Tining” Martinez will head the Committee on Budget and Appropriations, the Committee on Barangay Affairs and Rural Development, and the Committee on Waterworks Systems and Communications.

Duterte, aside from his floor leadership role, will chair the Committees on Public Works, Highways and Infrastructure; Tourism; and Gender Appreciation and Development.

Board Member Stanley Caminero will lead both the Committee on Public Health and the Committee on Energy. Board Member Cesar Baricuatro has been appointed chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Livelihood.

Board Member Michael Joseph Villamor will oversee the Committees on Higher and Technical Education and on Ways and Means.

Board Member Raymond Joseph Calderon will chair the Committee on Basic Education as well as the Committee on Provincial and Municipal Properties. Board Member Antonio Bacaltos Jr. will lead the Committees on Planning and Development and on Human Rights and Labor.

Board Member Lakambini Reluya has been named chair of both the Committee on Women, Family, and Minors and the Committee on Commerce and Industry.

Board Member Nelson Mondigo will head the Committees on Laws and Review on Ordinances and on Cooperatives, while Board Member Nilo Seno will take charge of the Committees on Complaints and Investigation and on Ethics.

Board Member Julius Anthony Corominas will oversee the Committees on Senior Citizens and on Traffic and Transportation. Board Member Malcolm Sanchez has been designated chair of the Committees on Information and Communications Technology and on Foreign and Local Relations.

Board Member Dason Lorenz Lagon will lead the Committee on Differently-Abled Persons. Board Member Alfred Francis Ouano has been named chair of the Committee on Public Safety, Peace and Order, and Dangerous Drug Abuse Prevention.

Board Member Loren Singco will head the Committee on Youth and Sports Development. Board Member Paz Rozgoni will chair the Committee on Arts and Culture.

Shimura, aside from her role as assistant floor leader, will lead the Committee on Accreditation.(MyTVCebu)