Cebu governor dips hands in Duterte impeachment? Baricuatro, daughter cry foul

Local

CEBU Gov. Pamela Baricuatro has denied allegations circulating online that she attempted to influence Cebu lawmakers against supporting the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.

The issue stemmed from a Facebook post made on May 8 by Alvin & Tourism, a Netherlands-based Filipino content creator known for his strong support for the Duterte family.

In the post, the vlogger alleged that Baricuatro had supposedly contacted congressmen after allegedly being reprimanded by Malacañang for recruiting votes against the vice president.

“Pam Baricuatro, tinood ba na gitawagan nimu ang mga congressman, kay gipabadlong ka sa palasyo na dili mang recruit to vote NO karong lunes?” the post read.

The allegation prompted a public response from Cebu Capitol health consultant Dr. Elisse Nicole Catalan, Baricuatro’s daughter, who strongly denied the claim and defended the governor from what she described as “false narratives.”

“I swear with my own life NO SUCH CALLS were made,” Catalan wrote in a Facebook post.

“How dare some make insinuations that gov is ‘convincing’ Cebu congressmen and women to have the VP impeached? What proof do you have, even?” she added.

Catalan said the governor has remained focused on governance and public service since assuming office, describing her mother’s administration as one working “to serve ALL CEBUANOS, not just a faction.”

She also criticized what she described as persistent online attacks against the governor.

“The gov has been so busy working, she has sacrificed herself. So much online hate has been thrown her way, she is ridiculed by troll farms endlessly, and yet she shows up every day to work,” Catalan said.

In a separate statement later posted — and subsequently deleted — Baricuatro herself categorically denied involvement in any effort to influence Cebu legislators regarding the impeachment issue involving Duterte.

“I categorically deny any involvement in, or influence over, actions or dialogues aimed at impeaching Vice President Sara,” Baricuatro said.

“I have not participated in such efforts, and I do not endorse or pursue any agenda that seeks to remove VP Sara from office,” she added.

The governor emphasized that, as a member of the executive branch, her responsibilities center on governance, development programs, and public service rather than legislative matters.

“My focus remains on advancing Cebu’s growth, improving public services, and fostering international collaboration, as demonstrated by our recent role in co-hosting the 48th ASEAN Summit,” she said.

Baricuatro also challenged any Cebu lawmaker who believed she had attempted to influence their position to come forward publicly or communicate through official channels.

“If any Cebu-based congressman or congresswoman believes I have attempted to influence their vote or position, I welcome constructive, transparent discussion,” the statement read.

The controversy surfaced amid heightened political discourse online surrounding Vice President Duterte and ongoing speculation over possible impeachment efforts in Congress.(TGP)