Award-winning political commentator Niño Bonito Padilla underscored the constitutional obligation of outgoing officials to cooperate with local government transitions, amid reports that Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has allegedly refused to comply with mandated procedures.
Speaking at the “Kapihan sa Sugbo” media forum, Padilla cited Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 2022-029, which directs all local chief executives to establish a Local Governance Transition Team (LGTT) and facilitate the formal handover of government records and assets.
“There’s no wiggle room here,” Padilla said, noting the legal language used in the directive. “This isn’t about courtesy, it’s about law.”
The commentator warned that failing to comply with the transition guidelines could breach constitutional guarantees, including the public’s right to information enshrined in Article III, Section 7 of the 1987 Constitution.
He also referred to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Chavez v. PEA-Amari, which affirms that government data is held in trust for the public.
Padilla dismissed any suggestion that the issue was merely political.
“This is about ensuring continuity of basic services—paying government workers, completing infrastructure, and supporting public schools,” he said.
While delivering his critique with humor, Padilla stressed the seriousness of obstructing official transitions, calling it “sabotage in slow motion.”
His remarks, delivered with characteristic wit, drew applause from attendees and added to growing calls for transparency and cooperation ahead of Cebu’s change in leadership.
BusinessNews.ph
