While legal complaints pile up, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro is keeping her eyes on the work ahead.
Her third case from Byron Garcia centers on the P2.6-million renovation of the Cebu Capitol’s executive office, but she says public service comes first.
On Saturday, December 6, 2025, Baricuatro posted on Facebook: “Basta ako trabaho lang para sa kaayohan sa mga Sugbuanon.”
“No revenge needed. People carry ugliness inside of them that always collapse under the weight of their own behavior,” she added.
The post came a day after National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) chairman Regalado Trota Jose Jr., together with Cebu Provincial Administrator Ace Durano, inspected the ongoing repainting and restoration works at the governor’s office.
Their December 5 visit included a detailed review of the interior of the historic Capitol executive building.
According to a Capitol statement, the NHCP emphasized that on-site inspections ensure that restoration efforts maintain the building’s architectural integrity while addressing necessary repairs and maintenance.
The review also verified that the renovation respects the Capitol’s original design elements, materials, and historically significant features.
The inspection coincided with Garcia filing his third complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman, accusing Baricuatro of violating anti-graft and heritage laws over the renovation.
Garcia alleged breaches of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (R.A. 3019) and the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009.
He also raised administrative complaints, including grave misconduct and abuse of authority.
The complaint noted that the approved budget of P2,633,698.43 covered demolition of ceilings, roofs, and walls, while the contract for P2,612,888.00 was awarded to Emiliano Tadeo D. Ruiz Jr., proprietor of Ten Twenty Allied Developers, following bidding.
He highlighted that the Cebu Capitol is classified as a Status I National Historical Landmark under NHCP Resolution No. 11, S. 2008, citing Section 48(b) of Republic Act 10066, which prohibits altering declared national landmarks—including areas within the five-meter buffer zone—without NHCP approval.
Garcia also argued that Sections 3(e) and 3(g) of R.A. 3019 were violated, claiming the contract gave the contractor an “unwarranted advantage” and was “manifestly disadvantageous” to the government.
This latest complaint follows two prior filings. On December 1, Garcia accused Baricuatro of issuing “false and misleading” statements regarding the supposed purchase of sea ambulances.
On November 21, he lodged a complaint over a viral photo showing Baricuatro in a SWAT uniform, which she said was AI-generated.
“Padayon kog trabaho kay klaro kaayo mas malipayon karon ang Sugbo ug ang Kapitolyo,” she said earlier.
