Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has issued a strong declaration, stating she is "prepared for war" in response to Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco's public questioning of a proposed compromise settlement involving the tax liabilities of Apo Land and Quarry Corporation (ALQC). The governor made these remarks during her regular press conference on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, highlighting the escalating tension between the two officials.
Background of the Tax Dispute
The controversy began when Governor Baricuatro responded to a media inquiry about ALQC on March 4, 2026. She revealed that the Cebu Provincial Government's substantial tax assessment against ALQC, amounting to P1.218 billion, could potentially be reduced to approximately P211.56 million under a proposed compromise settlement. However, this proposal still requires formal approval from the Cebu Provincial Board (PB) before it can be implemented.
Vice Governor's Response and Board Review
Two days later, on March 6, Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco held his own press conference to address the issue. Soco emphasized that the Provincial Board would conduct a thorough review of the proposal through its committees on laws and ordinances, as well as ways and means. He stressed that the board must first determine whether entering into a compromise agreement is appropriate before discussing the specific financial amounts involved.
It was noted that the ALQC compromise agreement had already been included in the Provincial Board's agenda on February 23, but it was deferred during the same day's regular session, indicating ongoing deliberations.
Governor's Clarifications and Accusations
When asked whether this controversy could negatively affect her relationship with the Provincial Board, Governor Baricuatro clarified that her issue is directed specifically at Vice Governor Soco and not the legislative body as a whole. "No, it's not the legislative body, it's Glenn per se," she stated firmly.
Baricuatro also provided important context about the origin of the compromise settlement. She clarified that the proposal was not initiated by her office but rather came after ALQC approached the Provincial Legal Office to negotiate a settlement while the case remains pending in court.
Historical Precedent and Hypocrisy Allegations
The governor went further by calling Vice Governor Soco a "hypocrite," pointing to his previous actions during the administration of former governor Gwendolyn Garcia. Baricuatro noted that Soco had authored a resolution in 2023 approving a similar compromise settlement with Dolomite Mining Corporation.
That earlier agreement significantly reduced the province's P855.9-million tax assessment against the mining firm to approximately P56.31 million, according to Baricuatro's account. This historical precedent forms a key part of her argument against Soco's current questioning of the ALQC settlement.
Denial of Backdoor Deal Allegations
Governor Baricuatro also addressed circulating online allegations suggesting that the proposed ALQC compromise involved a "backdoor deal." She categorically denied these claims, stating, "There's no backdoor negotiation."
The governor emphasized that the Provincial Board is free to scrutinize the proposal thoroughly as it deliberates on whether to approve the agreement. She maintained that the process has been transparent and proper, despite the current controversy surrounding it.
The situation continues to develop as both sides maintain their positions, with the Provincial Board's upcoming deliberations likely to determine the final outcome of this significant tax settlement proposal.
