Soco hits back at Baricuatro: 'This is about work, nothing personal'

Local

VICE Governor Glenn Soco’s office on Thursday, March 19, lashed back at Governor Pamela Baricuatro, who expressed frustration over stalled provincial measures on Wednesday.

Baricuatro had criticized Soco for alleged delays in key provincial measures, saying, “There’s a time to be a nice person and there’s a time to say enough is enough… I really had enough.”

Reacting to Baricuatro's tirades, lawyer Georgia Herrera-Klepp, spokesperson for Soco, emphasized that the vice governor is being unfairly singled out.

“The vice governor is being singled out as if he alone makes decisions, which is not how the Sangguniang Panlalawigan works. It is a collegial body—actions are taken through committees, proper documentation, and collective deliberation,” she said.

She added that concerns should be addressed through proper channels rather than public statements targeting individuals.

Herrera-Klepp also addressed Baricuatro’s criticism of the proposed P211-million tax compromise with Apo Land and Quarry Corporation (ALQC), which reduces the company’s tax obligations from an alleged P1.218 billion.

His office emphasized that the Provincial Board’s review was about protecting public funds, not provoking conflict.

“On behalf of Vice Governor Glenn Soco, this is strictly about work, nothing personal. We remain focused on transparency and due process to protect the interests of the people of Cebu,” Herrera-Klepp said.

Earlier in the Wednesday press conference, the governor highlighted three pending measures.

These included the guidelines for the Legislative Assistance Fund (LAF), the province’s official position on the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) before the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), and the memorandum of agreement for the long-delayed 93-1 land deal.

She also cited unreleased funds that were preventing the implementation of programs such as mobile kitchens, mobile clinics, and disaster response initiatives.

Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces provided context on the stalled LAF funds, noting that conflicting guidelines flagged by the Commission on Audit prompted the need for a unified framework before release.

He said meetings between the Provincial Board and the executive branch have produced new guidelines to prevent further delays.

The CBRT project has yet to be addressed at the committee level, and the 93-1 land deal remains pending, awaiting formal authorization from the provincial side.

Herrera-Klepp emphasized that the Provincial Board operates collectively, with decisions made through joint committees and proper documentation.

She urged that public concerns be addressed through proper channels to avoid singling out individuals in public statements.(MyTVCebu)