Tension rocks PB

Tension flared at the Cebu Provincial Board as discussions over the P1.2-billion 2025 Supplemental Budget 1 remained contentious, with Board Members Celestino “Tining” Martinez III and Board member Glenn Soco engaging in a heated exchange with Board Member John Ismael Borgoña over its timing and intent.

- Kristin de Dios and Jonnavie Villa, Staff Members

During Monday's session, Martinez delivered a privilege speech defending the failed May 21 special session which was adjourned due to lack of quorum and slamming Borgoña’s prior remarks that accused the board of acting in “bad faith” to allegedly hinder the incoming administration of Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro.

In his speech, Martinez described Borgoña’s comments as uncalled for, utterly reckless, malicious, and premature, saying they unfairly painted the board in a negative light and questioned its integrity.

"Thus, the gentleman's remarks were presumptuous, blatantly unfair, and evidently biased, especially for those who attended in the last special session," Martinez said, noting that Borgoña did not participate in any of the consultative meetings on the proposed budget.

The May 21 session was meant to deliberate on Governor Gwendolyn Garcia's certified urgent proposal for the P1.2-billion Supplemental Budget 1, which incorporates the Annual Investment Program.

Only Vice Governor Hilario Davide III and Board Members Soco, Victoria Corominas-Toribio, Michael Joseph Villamor, Andrei "Red" Duterte, and Kerrie Shimura were present, resulting in a lack of quorum.

Martinez stressed that several members were either on official or personal leave after the elections, while others had requested more time to review the budget - not as a deliberate act of obstruction.

He called Borgoña's actions "disheartening," saying that rather than promoting unity during the transition period, the remarks fostered division and cast unnecessary doubts on the legislative body.

"I speak now not only for myself, but for the integrity of the entire Sanggunian Panlalawigan, whom I choose to defend," Martinez said.

He emphasized that Borgoña's issues with Governor Garcia appeared personal and should not drag the rest of the board into conflict.