DILG-Cebu denies being biased in Capitol transition process

Local

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Cebu Province denied allegations of partiality in the ongoing transition between outgoing Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro, asserting that its role remains “colorless.”

DILG Cebu Provincial Director Dr. Jesus Sastrillo Jr. addressed concerns raised by Baricuatro, who earlier questioned the agency’s neutrality after Sastrillo was named co-chair of Garcia’s transition team.

“Actually we are impartial. Motabang ra gyud ta smooth and orderly transition sa incoming administration,” he said in a phone interview on Friday, May 30, 2025.

Sastrillo added that the outgoing administration is only acting upon a memorandum circular by adding him in the transition team.

DILG order

Issued on March 18, DILG Memorandum Circular 2025-016 outlines the guidelines for the smooth transfer of authority to newly elected officials.

It requires the outgoing local chief executives to create a Local Governance Transition Team (LGTT) within three days after the election. The circular further mandates a comprehensive inventory of all government properties, submission of financial records and administrative documents, and the conduct of coordination meetings between outgoing and incoming officials.

It also requires the outgoing administration to prepare and submit a transition report to the DILG at least five days before the turnover of power. The goal, according to the circular, is to promote transparency, ensure continuity of governance, and protect the delivery of public services during the transition.

Baricuatro alleges

Baricuatro, who defeated Garcia in a historic upset during the May 2025 elections, said the Capitol’s refusal to release financial documents and its restriction on meetings with department heads violates both the letter and spirit of the circular.

“Gwen, you are not hurting me, you are hurting the people of the province of Cebu,” she said in a press conference on May 30, calling on Garcia to allow early access to records vital to financial and operational planning.

Baricuatro also questioned why the DILG allowed itself to be named vice chair in Garcia’s transition team, saying it undermines the agency’s role as a neutral party.

Sastrillo rejected this, saying the co-chair designation is standard protocol.

He emphasized that the DILG’s involvement is not political but purely administrative.

He confirmed that his office received Baricuatro’s formal

request letter on the morning of May 30 and immediately forwarded it to Garcia’s camp.

Internal discussions, he added, are ongoing to ensure the transition proceeds in line with the prescribed timetable.

“Nag-meeting mi kung unsaon pagpadagan nga smooth and orderly transition to the incoming administration,” Sastrillo said.

However, he acknowledged that no formal meeting has yet been held between the outgoing and incoming teams as of Friday.

Incoming admin demands

Baricuatro’s team has asked for the release of financial and administrative documents by June 15 and requested meetings with department heads to be held from June 16 to 30, consistent with the DILG guidelines and the Local Government Code.

Atty. Edmund Lao, head of Baricuatro’s transition team, said the delays are a serious cause for concern.

“Restricting access until June 30 will result in poor decision-making on day one. These records are essential, especially in dealing with payables and service continuity,” Lao said.

Former Santa Fe mayor Jose “Titing” Esgana, who now serves as the team’s finance expert, warned that obstruction in the transition process will affect public welfare.

“We cannot allow our governor to sign any financial document blindly. Without access to records, the consequences will fall on the people,” he said.

Baricuatro reiterated that she is not seeking early assumption but simply cooperation.

“Wala ko magdali molingkod kay kahibalo ko nga June 30 pa jud. Ang akoa lang, naay continuity sa atong serbisyo sa katawhan,” she said.

Baricuatro won the 2025 gubernatorial race with 1,107,924 votes against Garcia’s 765,051. She is set to assume office at noon on June 30.(MyTVCebu)