Cebu Provincial Board Members Suggest Technical Working Group for P211-Million ALQC Compromise Review
In a recent development, some members of the Cebu Provincial Board (PB) have reportedly recommended the establishment of a technical working group (TWG) to thoroughly review the proposed P211-million compromise agreement with Apo Land and Quarry Corp. (ALQC). This move comes days after the PB returned the proposal to the executive department for further assessment, highlighting ongoing efforts to ensure transparency and careful scrutiny in the best interest of Cebuanos.
Governor Baricuatro Confirms Informal Discussions on TWG Formation
Governor Pamela Baricuatro confirmed on Thursday, April 9, 2026, that she met with several PB members, including Neneth Reluya, Nilo Seno, Cesar Baricuatro, Nelson Mondigo, and Raymond Calderon. During this meeting, the idea of creating a TWG was informally raised to examine the compromise agreement with ALQC. Governor Baricuatro emphasized that the discussion was taken out of context, clarifying that the committee had submitted a recommendation for the TWG to involve entities like the Commission on Audit (COA) and ALQC to shed light on the issue.
She stated, "I have a meeting with the board earlier beside me. It was taken out of context gyud… the committee submitted recommending that I create a technical working group to look into the matter, where the COA and Apo can be invited to help shed light on the issue." Governor Baricuatro did not specify which PB members recommended the TWG but noted that there is no urgency, as the Provincial Government seeks a meticulous review.
Clarifications on Informal Nature of TWG Recommendation
In a telephone interview on Friday, April 10, PB member Raymond Calderon clarified that the recommendation to form a TWG was not included in the official ways and means committee report. Instead, it was informally discussed during an event, specifically a rice subsidy distribution for public utility vehicle drivers at the Capitol. Calderon explained, "Wala na maapil sa committee report," meaning it was not part of the formal report, and his interaction with Governor Baricuatro was merely an informal encounter.
When asked about the board's stance on the ALQC settlement, Calderon described it as "not really that solid," but he highlighted that the committee report was approved without objections, calling for further evaluation and clarification of the proposed compromise agreement.
Further Evaluation and Potential TWG Composition
PB member Nilo Seno added that some board members and the governor have agreed to form a TWG, as the committee report necessitates additional assessment of the compromise agreement. Seno suggested that the TWG could include representatives from the PB, COA, and other concerned departments to streamline the process and avoid back-and-forth discussions.
He noted, "I am not at the liberty to confirm or deny kay dili pa final. Sabutan pa. Everything is still a proposal. We will closely work with the exec dept to address the issue." Seno also expressed confidence that any differing stances among board members on the ALQC deal are not irreconcilable, emphasizing collaboration with the executive department.
Background on the Proposed Compromise Agreement and PB Actions
The proposed P211-million compromise agreement stems from a civil case filed by ALQC to challenge the Provincial Government's P1.2-billion tax assessment covering 2009 to 2025. This case is currently pending before Regional Trial Court Branch 19 in Cebu City. According to Restituto Arnaiz, legal officer of the Office of the Governor, the compromise resulted from court-mandated mediation, with the Provincial Government rejecting several lower offers from ALQC before agreeing to the P211.56 million proposal in January 2026.
On Monday, April 6, the PB approved the committee report from ways and means chairman PB Michael Villamor, which recommended returning the proposed compromise agreement to the executive department for further evaluation. The report also advised securing prior board authority for negotiations, conducting a comprehensive legal and financial reassessment, and seeking guidance from COA to ensure compliance.
Villamor clarified in a separate interview on Wednesday, April 8, that the PB did not reject the proposal but returned it for additional scrutiny. He described the action as "non-political" and expressed support for the compromise agreement in principle, while stressing the need for legislative oversight. Villamor pointed out, "If the executive asked for an authority to negotiate, to be transparent, it would have been prudent and we would have known from the start that there was a negotiation especially with the amount, it’s so big, it's P1.2 billion."
Unanswered Queries and Historical Context
SunStar Cebu attempted to contact PB members Neneth Reluya and Michael Villamor for further comments but received no response as of press time. Reluya declined to comment, while messages to Governor Baricuatro's official Facebook page and Mondigo's page went unanswered.
In a related context, the Baricuatro administration has referenced previous settlements, such as a 2023 deal with Dolomite Mining Corp., where a P855-million liability was settled for P56 million, and a separate compromise with Carmen Copper in 2022. Vice Gov. Glenn Soco authored the Dolomite Mining Corp. deal, underscoring that the proposed ALQC compromise is based on legal and factual considerations rather than precedent.
Overall, the recommendation for a TWG reflects ongoing efforts by Cebu's Provincial Board to ensure thorough review and transparency in handling the P211-million compromise agreement with ALQC, as stakeholders work towards a resolution that aligns with the province's best interests.
