Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro is now confronting a new legal challenge after a former provincial consultant filed a criminal complaint against her before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas. The allegation centers on a renovation project at the Provincial Capitol that reportedly bypassed mandatory clearances from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
Alleged Violation of Heritage and Graft Laws
Byron Garcia, who previously served as a consultant and is the brother of former governor Gwendolyn Garcia, submitted the complaint affidavit on Friday, December 5, 2025. He accuses Governor Baricuatro of authorizing a renovation project with an Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) worth P2,612,888 without securing the required Heritage Permit or Clearance from the NHCP.
The Cebu Provincial Capitol is designated as a Status I National Historical Landmark under NHCP Resolution 11, series of 2008. Under Republic Act 10066, or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, any demolition or alteration of such a site requires prior written clearance from the commission. Garcia claims the project for the "renovation of new governor’s office, Capitol main building" involved demolition of ceilings, roofs, and walls without this authorization.
Garcia's complaint cites violations of both RA 10066 and Republic Act 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. For the heritage law violation, Section 48(b) prescribes a penalty of a fine not less than P200,000, imprisonment of not less than 10 years, or both. The graft allegations focus on Sections 3(e) and 3(g) of RA 3019, concerning acts causing undue injury or entering into contracts grossly disadvantageous to the government.
The contract was awarded to Emiliano Tadeo D. Ruiz Jr., proprietor of Ten Twenty-Allen Developers, at the full ABC amount.
A Series of Legal Challenges
This complaint marks the third legal action Garcia has initiated against Governor Baricuatro in a short period. The first was filed on November 21, accusing her of unlawfully wearing a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) uniform in a public photo, potentially violating the Revised Penal Code.
A second administrative complaint followed on December 1, concerning Baricuatro's statements about a proposed sea-ambulance project. Garcia alleged she misled the public by claiming the Province owned the vessel when it was merely a prototype on loan, a potential breach of the Code of Conduct for public officials.
Call for Action and Potential Consequences
In his latest filing, Byron Garcia has urged the Ombudsman to start criminal and administrative proceedings against Governor Baricuatro. The charges he seeks include grave misconduct, abuse of authority, conduct unbecoming of a public official, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
The outcome of this complaint could have significant implications for the governor's administration, especially concerning the oversight of government projects and the preservation of culturally significant structures. The case also highlights the ongoing political tensions following the May 2025 elections, where Baricuatro defeated Garcia's sister, former governor Gwendolyn Garcia.
The Ombudsman-Visayas is expected to evaluate the merits of the complaint to determine if there is sufficient basis to proceed with a formal investigation into the allegations surrounding the P2.6 million Capitol renovation.
