Cebu Vice Governor Glenn Soco Steps In as Acting Governor During Governor's Japan Trip
In a temporary leadership shift, Cebu Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco has officially assumed the role of acting governor of the Province of Cebu from April 4 to April 8, 2026. This move comes as Governor Pamela Baricuatro embarks on a personal trip to Japan during this period.
Legal Basis and Official Confirmation
The assumption of duties by Soco is backed by legal protocols, as confirmed in a letter from Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Cebu Province Director Jesus Robel Sastrillo Jr., dated Monday, April 6, 2026. The letter states that Soco's role as acting governor is activated by operation of law for the duration of Baricuatro's absence.
"This pertains to the approved personal foreign travel of Hon. Pamela Baricuatro, governor of the Province of Cebu, to Japan from April 4 to April 8, 2026," reads a portion of the DILG letter, highlighting the formal approval and continuity measures in place.
Leadership Continuity and Supporting Roles
To ensure seamless governance, Sixth District Provincial Board Member Larenz Lagon will serve as acting vice governor during the same four-day period, as announced by the DILG. This arrangement follows established protocols designed to maintain operational stability and leadership oversight while the governor is away.
Soco's responsibilities will include overseeing provincial operations from Saturday, April 4, to Wednesday, April 8, 2026, ensuring that all governmental functions proceed without interruption.
Previous Experience in Acting Capacity
This is not the first time Soco has stepped into the acting governor role. He previously served from February 4 to 6, 2026, when Baricuatro led a three-day official mission to Fujian, China. During that mission, Baricuatro headed a 10-member delegation focused on trade and health initiatives.
The delegation explored potential integrations of Chinese alternative medicine into Cebu's healthcare system and assessed waste-to-energy technologies for the Province's solid waste management efforts.
During his prior stint as acting governor, Soco managed critical provincial operations, including coordinating with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to monitor tropical depression Basyang. Authorities had issued warnings about heavy rains and strong winds in Central Visayas at that time, underscoring the importance of vigilant leadership during such periods.
The consistent application of these protocols demonstrates Cebu's commitment to effective governance and preparedness, even during temporary absences of key officials.
