Limited access to governor’s lobby explained

CEBU, Philippines — Access to the governor’s lobby at the Cebu Provincial Capitol has been temporarily limited only to individuals with confirmed appointments as part of the heightened security measures amid the ongoing renovation efforts at the executive building.

Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces yesterday cleared the air following online criticisms the Capitol received after a copy of the March 30, 2026 memorandum addressed to all Capitol employees went rounds on social media.

Under the directive, only those with scheduled appointments with the Governor are allowed entry into the lobby, while others are advised to use alternative routes at the Capitol.

"Please be advised that, effective immediately, access to the Governor's lobby shall be limited to those having an appointment with the Governor," the memo read.

"With this, employees are encouraged to use alternative routes," it added.

Empaces said the move is temporary and forms part of a broader plan to improve facilities within the Capitol.

“Until mahuman ni,” Empaces said, referring to the duration of the restriction.

He said the renovation has already been approved by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), with a target completion date set for April 10.

“So nagsugod naman na ron… ang target ani trabahoon ni nga length and then mahuman ta by April 10,” he said.

Empaces explained that the project was initiated after Governor Pamela Baricuatro observed the lack of a proper waiting area for visitors.

“Ang rason gyud ani kay nakita ni gov daghan kaayo sige ari sa Kapitolyo nya wala silay malugaran na nindot,” he said.

The renovation includes the creation of a designated receiving area, to be called the “Gallery of the People.”

He said the area will serve as a space where visitors can wait while processing transactions with Capitol offices.

“Pwede na mag tambay ari while waiting so it becomes a receiving nasad ni nga area,” Empaces said.

The gallery will also highlight Cebuano culture through locally sourced materials and curated images of the governor’s public engagements.

“Kaning mga pictures diri… mahimong People’s Activity… showcasing the heart and the warm and the hospitality of the Cebuano,” he added.

Aside from improving visitor experience, the restriction is also meant to address security concerns.

Empaces disclosed that a theft incident about a month ago prompted officials to strengthen security measures.

“Kay murag a month ago nakawatan gyud ang assessor’s office namo… naa’y tulo ka cellphone,” he said.

He estimated the value of the stolen items at around P50,000, noting that while the suspect has been apprehended, the items were not recovered.

“Na apprehend napud ang nagbuhat ato… wala nagyud ma retrieve,” he added.

In response, the Capitol has increased monitoring and installed additional security protocols.

“Magbutang nagyud mi’g mga post na mga security nya i-log nasad kung kinsa mosulod,” Empaces said.

He clarified that the Capitol remains open to the public, stressing that the restriction applies only to the Governor’s lobby.

“The assumption nga dili pasudlon… actually that’s an assumption. Kung moari jud kag Kapitolyo, abli jud kaayo ang Kapitolyo,” he said.

Empaces also noted that more access points have been opened to ease movement within the building.

“Abli tanang doors sa Capitol… para naay laing access point kay dako biya ang Kapitolyo,” he said.

He emphasized that the memorandum is an internal directive and should not be interpreted as a restriction on the general public.

“Ang kato sad na memo internal man to sa employees, dili man to memo sa katibuk-ang Cebuano,” he clarified.

Addressing comments circulating on social media, Empaces urged the public to verify information before reacting.

“Okay raman na nga mo comment sila pero might as well pwede gyud sila mangutana,” he said.

He reiterated that the measures are preventive and necessary to safeguard Capitol personnel and property.

“Dapat naa nata’y measures nga ma protektahan ang mga katungod sa atong mga empleyado,” he added.

Empaces said such protocols are standard practice in many institutions.

“Any nga establishment naa gyud na syay security measures,” he said.

As renovation works continue, finishing touches such as polishing and drying of materials are ongoing.

“Naa naman atong mga materials… ang gitiwas nalang is katong pagpasinaw ana kay pasinawon og gipauga pana,” he said.

Frames for the installations have already been set up, with final detailing expected soon.

Once completed, the new space is expected to improve both security and the overall experience of visitors at the Capitol.

For now, employees are advised to comply with the temporary restriction while work is ongoing. — Sandara Laurente, CTU-Tuburan Intern/FPL (FREEMAN)