Byron Garcia files fourth complaint vs. Governor Baricuatro over late budget submission

Byron Garcia has filed his fourth complaint against Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, this time over the alleged late submission of the proposed 2026 provincial budget.

In the complaint, Garcia claims that Baricuatro violated provisions of the Local Government Code and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act due to the timing of the budget’s submission to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Garcia cited Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and sought both criminal and administrative charges against the governor.

The administrative allegations include grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, abuse of authority, gross incompetence, conduct unbecoming of a public official, and acts prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

If proven, these could result in penalties ranging from preventive suspension to dismissal from public office.

“Hence, the blatant disregard and failure of Pamela Baricuatro to submit such budget on the date prescribed by law, Pamela Baricuatro should be held administratively liable for Grave Misconduct, Gross Neglect of Duty, Abuse of Authority, Gross Incompetence, Gross Negligence, Conduct Unbecoming of Public Official, and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of Service,” the complaint reads.

Garcia said the proposed 2026 executive budget was transmitted via a letter dated November 7, 2025, signed by Baricuatro and addressed to Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

While the letter bore receiving stamps indicating it reached the SP Secretary’s office on November 7, it was only received by the Vice Governor on November 10, 2025.

He argued that this timeline violated Section 318 of Republic Act No. 7160, the Local Government Code, which mandates local chief executives to submit proposed executive budgets to the sanggunian on or before October 16 of the current fiscal year.

Garcia also claimed that the delay caused undue injury to the government and other stakeholders, citing apparent partiality, bad faith, or gross negligence on the part of the governor.

The complaint also asserts criminal liability under Sections 3(e) and 3(g) of RA 3019, emphasizing that noncompliance with the budget submission deadline can trigger both criminal and administrative sanctions under the Local Government Code.

As of posting time, Governor Baricuatro has not issued a public statement on the latest complaint.

This marks Garcia’s fourth action against Baricuatro. His previous complaints include:

• A November 21 filing over a viral image allegedly showing Baricuatro in a SWAT uniform, which the governor said was AI-generated.

• A December 1 complaint accusing the governor of making false claims about the purchase of sea ambulances, despite no completed transaction.

• A December 5 complaint challenging the ₱2.6-million renovation of the so-called “new governor’s office” at the Cebu Provincial Capitol, a structure classified as a National Historical Landmark. (SBA)