Tension Between Gwen and Pamela Escalates in Cebu City

Tension between outgoing Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and her successor Pamela Baricuatro is escalating as the turnover of power at the Capitol approaches.

The latest conflict arose when Baricuatro announced that Garcia had ordered government offices in the Capitol's legislative building to vacate. Baricuatro claimed that the offices, currently occupied by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Commission on Elections (Comelec), Commission on Audit (COA), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), would be used by Garcia for her personal office.

Baricuatro criticized this decision, stating that having these government offices in the building benefits the public. She emphasized that the presence of these agencies ensures that essential government services remain easily accessible to the public. Removing them could lead to inconvenience and hinder government functions.

Garcia refuted Baricuatro’s claims, stating that she already has a private office in a commercial building in Mandaue City. She dismissed the idea of moving her office to the legislative building.

Baricuatro responded to Garcia's denial by questioning her interest in taking over government offices when she already has a private office elsewhere. Incoming Vice Gov.-elect Glenn Soco defended Garcia, stating that the relocation of government offices is necessary to address the operational and spatial needs of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Soco refuted claims that the offices are being reassigned for Garcia's personal use, calling such speculation baseless and divisive.

According to the source: Manila Bulletin.