The 2025 local elections may be over, but political tensions remain high at the Cebu Provincial Capitol. Just a week after the May 12 polls, outgoing Governor Gwendolyn Garcia drew criticism for proposing a supplemental budget amounting to ₱1.2 billion. The additional funding request has since triggered heated debates, walkouts, and protests, with accusations of a possible “midnight budget deal” surfacing.
On May 21, the Provincial Board (PB) convened a special session to deliberate the proposal, but the session failed to reach a quorum, with only five out of 28 legislators present. The budget proposal was subsequently returned to Garcia’s office on May 23 for further review.
The proposed ₱1,226,620,213.08 budget aims to fund the operations of the Office of the Vice Governor and PB members for the next six months, citing depleted resources. However, critics argue that the move could potentially handicap the incoming administration of Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro.
Board Member Celestino “Tining” Martinez III defended the proposal during the May 26 regular session, clarifying that the allocation also includes capital outlay and allowances, not just the Vice Governor’s office. Still, the tension escalated when outgoing Board Member Jiembo Borgonia questioned the budget’s timing and motives.
The May 26 session turned fiery, with legislators trading barbs. Martinez slammed Borgonia’s public opposition as “reckless and malicious,” prompting a spirited debate involving other members like Glenn Soco and Victoria Corominas-Toribio. Borgonia attempted to file a resolution to formally oppose the budget but was forced to withdraw it since the proposal wasn’t on the session’s official agenda.
Meanwhile, citizens and supporters of Baricuatro staged a protest rally outside the Capitol, urging the board to scrap what they called an “unjustified and last-minute” funding move.
Despite the uproar, PB members have assured the public that the budget will go through proper legislative procedures. They emphasized that the transition between administrations will be orderly and that the proposal remains subject to further review, amendments, and approval.
As of this writing, the supplemental budget remains in draft form and has not been calendared for another hearing, despite viral social media claims suggesting otherwise. For now, all eyes remain on the Cebu Capitol as the province watches how this budget drama unfolds.