On governor's trips: Soco seeks advance notice

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco has urged Governor Pamela Baricuatro to ensure prior coordination with his office before undertaking official trips, stressing that timely communication is vital to avoid confusion and maintain continuity in provincial governance.

In a letter dated April 7, 2026, Soco emphasized that advance notice is especially important because the vice governor assumes the role of acting governor when the sitting governor is out of the country.

In an interview, Soco said the letter was a proactive move to improve coordination.

“I just took the proactive step of writing to the governor so that, moving forward, ma-coordinated na,” he said.

Soco raised concerns over Baricuatro’s recent trip to Japan from April 4 to 8, which he said was not formally relayed to his office in advance.

“It has been observed that your recent travel to Japan, as well as some of your prior trips, were not formally communicated to the Office of the Vice Governor,” Soco wrote.

He underscored that prior notice is crucial to ensure that official protocols are observed and that public services remain uninterrupted.

“As provided by law, the Vice Governor assumes the role of Acting Governor in the Governor's absence from the country,” the letter read. “In this regard, prior notice is essential.”

Soco said his office only learned of the governor’s Japan trip after it had already begun.

“Sa katong latest trip niya, wa jud mi kahibaw nga nilarga diay si Governor Pam didto sa Japan,” he said.

He added that the trip was only confirmed during their regular session on April 6.

“Pag session namo niadtong niaging Monday, didto ra mi kahibaw nga tua na diay siya didto sa Japan—that was after lunch,” Soco said.

According to him, a copy of the travel authority was received from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) later that day.

“We were able to get a copy sa DILG pag 12:41 noon,” he added.

Soco described the situation as “technically sensitive,” noting that the lack of prior notice could have affected official proceedings.

“Technically sensitive man gud kaayo na because I cannot preside if I’m already designated as Acting Governor,” he explained.

He warned that failure to clarify the situation could have led to procedural complications during their session.

“If wala mi mo seek atong clarification, ma-technical mi diri sa atong session,” Soco said.

Soco noted that there were instances in the past when proper coordination had been observed.

“She did that before—when she left for China, she informed us,” he said.

He stressed that such coordination is necessary given the scale of governance involved.

“Sensitive man gud because it’s the Province of Cebu that we’re talking about,” he added.

In a previous statement, Baricuatro said her recent travel complied with legal requirements.

“You know what, I did the right thing. Everything was legal. I was given approval according to travel by the DILG,” she said.

The governor clarified that it is the DILG’s responsibility—not hers—to formally inform the Office of the Vice Governor for acting designation.

“It’s supposed to be the DILG to inform the Office of the Vice Governor. It’s not my prerogative to tell him,” she said.

“Ang nahitabo lang gyud wala dayon kahibaw ang official director nga naa na diay ang akong authority to travel… wala siya na inform sa iyang secretary,” she added.

Despite the issue, Baricuatro maintained that no disruption in governance occurred during her absence. — (FREEMAN)