DQ petition politically motivated - gov-elect: Pam denies survey

CEBU, Philippines — Incoming Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has denied allegations in a disqualification case filed against her, asserting she had no part in the unauthorized election survey cited in the complaint that sought to nullify her victory in the recent May 12 midterm elections.

In a press statement, her lead counsel, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, confirmed that Baricuatro filed her “Ad Cautelam Answer cum Memorandum” on June 19, 2025, before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as a precaution—even without receiving an official summons.

The petition for disqualification was filed by Katrina Kaye Kowalik, head of the Capitol’s social media arm Sugbo News. The case was docketed by the Comelec a day after the May 12 elections.

Kowalik accused Baricuatro of violating provisions of the Fair Election Act, specifically Section 5 in relation to Section 3 of Republic Act No. 9006, and Comelec Resolutions 11086 and 11117.

The case stemmed from a Facebook post, published just before the May 2025 elections, which showed Baricuatro allegedly leading by 82 percent. The post, however, failed to indicate who commissioned, paid for, or conducted the survey, an omission barred by election laws.

Baricuatro’s camp maintained that she was neither informed of the case by Comelec nor served a copy by the petitioner. Her team said they only obtained a copy on June 16 through their own efforts.

Despite this, she proceeded to answer the complaint “to protect her right to due process” and branded the petition as “frivolous” and politically motivated.

In her official answer, Baricuatro “categorically denied” any knowledge of, involvement in, or approval of the online survey results being used as evidence. Her legal team also challenged the authenticity and origin of the Facebook post cited by the petitioner.

Topacio called the complaint baseless and politically motivated.

“We have compelling reasons to believe that the same was at the behest and instigation of the Garcia camp,” he said, referring to outgoing Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

He further described the case as “founded on mere conjectures and unprovable allegations,” meant “for mere harassment rather than for legitimate or serious motivations.”

Topacio also noted that Garcia’s allies had been actively publicizing the case as early as the start of vote canvassing, which he claimed was a clear attempt to block Baricuatro’s proclamation.

Despite the pending case, Baricuatro’s camp remains confident that her landslide victory reflects the people’s will.

“We hope that in this case, the chair and members of the COMELEC will prove true to their bounden duty of ascertaining what the voters really desire instead of substituting their judgment therefore,” Topacio said.

Baricuatro, who ran under Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) Laban, won by over 342,000 votes against Garcia in the May elections, garnering a total of 1,107,924 votes. She was officially proclaimed on May 13, 2025—the same day the disqualification case was filed.

As of press time, Kowalik has yet to respond to The Freeman’s request for comment.

Aside from the disqualification case, Baricuatro’s victory was also challenged by an election protest filed by Garcia because of alleged machine fraud.

Baricuatro is set to formally assume office on June 30 following a simple inauguration ceremony that is expected to be attended by some national officials, including Vice President Sara Duterte. (CEBU NEWS)