Cebu Provincial Board Scrutinizes P211.56-Million Tax Compromise Amid Leadership Dispute
The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) convened a critical hearing on Thursday, March 12, 2026, to examine a proposed compromise agreement valued at P211.56 million between the Province of Cebu and Apo Land and Quarry Corp. (ALQC). This deal would significantly reduce a substantial tax assessment of P1.218 billion, sparking intense debate and personal clashes among top officials.
Governor and Vice Governor Clash Over Process and Personalities
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco urged a focus on institutional procedures rather than personal attacks, just one day after Governor Pamela Baricuatro labeled him a "hypocrite." Soco emphasized, "This is not about personalities; this is about processes and institutions working," noting that Baricuatro appeared "so emotionally charged over this issue."
During a press conference on Wednesday, March 11, Governor Baricuatro expressed fury over Soco's criticism of the proposed settlement, which would slash the Province's tax claim against ALQC from approximately P1.2 billion to P211 million. She challenged Soco directly, stating, "I don't know what he's trying to do. You want to go to war? Because I'm prepared for war, Glenn Soco!"
Soco Raises Concerns Over Lack of Consultation and Precedent
Vice Governor Soco clarified that his prior involvement in a compromise resolution with Dolomite Mining Corp. only authorized negotiations and did not establish a settlement amount, unlike the current ALQC proposal. He warned against prematurely concluding that the Provincial Government had lost the case, citing PB Member Celestino "Tining" Martinez III, who cautioned that declaring defeat could weaken the province's legal position.
Soco highlighted that PB members were not consulted before the compromise agreement was presented, stating, "We were never involved. We were never even consulted." He argued that accepting the proposal without thorough scrutiny could undermine the Province's stance on tax collection, adding, "Each case stands on its own merit. You cannot use previous agreements to justify the proposed P211-million settlement."
He further explained, "If we just accept the P211 million outright, it would appear that there is no other way except to accept a discount of more than P1 billion."
Review Process and Committee Involvement
Soco stressed that the review was a collegial decision by the 20-member PB, with him as presiding officer voting only in case of a tie. He stated, "The board is open-minded about everything. That's why we will review it," detailing that the PB would analyze the proposal through its committees on laws and ordinances and ways and means.
Despite the friction, Soco reaffirmed his commitment to collaboration, saying, "I will continue to work with the governor and the rest of the Cebu Provincial Government for whatever is best for the people of Cebu."
The joint hearing was led by PB Board Members Mike Villamor and Nelson Mondigo, alongside other PB members, Provincial Legal Officer Guiller Ceniza, and Provincial Treasurer Roy Salubre. According to Soco's spokesperson, Georgia Herrera Klepp, PB Board Member Raymond Calderon proposed livestreaming the committee hearing, but a representative from the Office of the Governor advised against it due to the ongoing case involving ALQC.
Focus on Protecting Cebuano Interests
Governor Baricuatro had previously disclosed that the Provincial Government is considering settling the P1.218-billion tax assessment for P211.56 million. However, Soco insisted that the PB must first determine the appropriateness of a compromise before discussing the amount, concluding, "This is not about war. This is about protecting the interests of the Cebuano people."
