Cebu Governor Baricuatro Declares 'Prepared for War' in Heated Tax Settlement Dispute
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has issued a stark warning, stating she is "prepared for war" following Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco's scrutiny of a proposed compromise settlement regarding the tax liabilities of Apo Land and Quarry Corp. (ALQC). The controversy centers on a plan to reduce the Provincial Government's P1.218-billion tax assessment against ALQC to approximately P211.56 million, pending approval by the Provincial Board (PB).
Timeline of Escalating Tensions
The dispute began when Governor Baricuatro addressed media inquiries on March 4 about the proposed settlement. Two days later, on March 6, Vice Governor Soco held his own press briefing, emphasizing that the PB would review the proposal through its committees on laws and ordinances and ways and means. He stressed the need to first assess the appropriateness of a compromise agreement before discussing financial details.
Records show the proposal was included in the PB's agenda on February 23, but deliberations were deferred during that session. Baricuatro clarified that her conflict is specifically with Soco, not the legislative body as a whole, stating, "No, it's not the legislative body, it's Glenn per se," when asked about potential strains with the PB.
Settlement Origins and Executive Stance
Governor Baricuatro highlighted that the proposed settlement was initiated by ALQC's legal team, not her office. "Just for your information, it was the legal team of Apo who approached our Provincial Legal Office for this," she explained, noting that provincial lawyers later presented the proposal to her. Initially questioning the reduced amount, she said, "I asked why it was so small, but it was explained to me. For me, it's acceptable and legally defensible."
She further emphasized that the executive department lacks final authority, stating, "It's not me who will approve this. The Provincial Board has the last and final say."
Calls for Transparency and Allegations Denied
In a push for openness, Baricuatro urged the PB to live stream its committee meetings. "I urge the Provincial Board to live stream your committee meeting in the spirit of transparency and accountability so the public can see what's really going on," she said. She also denied online allegations of a "backdoor deal," asserting, "Because we have nothing to hide, our conscience is clear, there's no backdoor negotiations, I am not involved in the negotiations, my lawyer, attorney Resti Araniz, is not involved in the negotiations, and they have the last and final approval of this negotiation."
Accusations of Hypocrisy and Historical Context
Baricuatro labeled Soco a "hypocrite," pointing out that he previously authored a resolution approving a similar compromise settlement during former governor Gwendolyn Garcia's administration. That earlier agreement involved Dolomite Mining Corp. (DMC), where the Province reduced a P855.9-million tax assessment to about P56.31 million. "Such hypocrisy, this is part of what I told you—a demolition job they're doing on me—but my conscience is clear. I don't know about theirs, but as far as I'm concerned, my conscience is clear," Baricuatro responded.
Background and Financial Breakdown
The dispute stems from a P1.218-billion tax assessment against ALQC, covering quarry taxes, monitoring fees, and environmental enhancement fees from 2009 to 2025. According to reports, the compromise aims to avoid prolonged court battles and secure some recovery for the province rather than risking total loss. Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces defended the move, calling it a "win for the environment" and noting potential zero recovery without the deal.
The proposed P211.56-million settlement was calculated based on adjustments including recomputed monitoring fees at P30 per cubic meter, full inclusion of environmental fees, reduction or removal of some penalties due to prescription, and exclusion of extraction taxes as ALQC operates on private land, citing legal precedents like the Executive Officials with the Province of Bulacan v. Court of Appeals Supreme Court ruling.
Comparative Analysis
In 2023, a settlement with DMC reduced an P855.9-million assessment to P56.32 million. The ALQC deal would allow the province to recover 17.36 percent of the original assessment, highlighting ongoing challenges in balancing tax enforcement with practical recovery efforts in mining-related disputes.
