Duterte's partner Honeylet endorses Pam for Cebu governor

Local

CEBU gubernatorial candidate Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro secured the backing of Honeylet Avanceña, longtime partner of former President Rodrigo Duterte, even as some Duterte supporters accused her of using the former chief executive’s legal troubles to boost her political campaign.

Avanceña, who was in The Hague, Netherlands, where Duterte is currently being held at the International Criminal Court Detention Center, was approached by a supporter outside the facility.

The supporter asked Avanceña about Baricuatro, and the former leader's partner responded by expressing her admiration for the gubernatorial candidate.

Avanceña mentioned that she follows Baricuatro on social media and is impressed by her leadership.

She described Baricuatro as a leader who is fit to govern Cebu, citing her understanding of hardship and her embodiment of Duterte’s public service style.

Avanceña urged Cebuanos to consider supporting Baricuatro, appealing to them to explore “a new way of governance.”

She emphasized Baricuatro’s resilience and ability to lead through difficult circumstances.

Baricuatro responded to the endorsement with deep appreciation, noting that it came at a time when her campaign was under significant pressure.

She said Avanceña’s words were uplifting and unifying, especially in the face of attacks from various groups.

In a statement shared online, Baricuatro thanked Avanceña on behalf of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP)-Laban and the Digong Duterte Supporters community in Cebu.

She praised Avanceña as a quiet yet powerful figure behind Duterte’s success and said she had long admired her strength.

Baricuatro is running under the PDP-Laban banner and is part of the slate of local candidates endorsed by Duterte earlier this year.

Other candidates endorsed by Duterte include two dismissed mayors Michael Rama of Cebu City and Mandaue City's Jonas Cortes.

However, Baricuatro has faced criticism from Hakbang ng Maisug-Cebu, a local group aligned with Duterte, which accused her of sidelining other Duterte-backed candidates, particularly senatorial aspirant Vic Rodriguez.

Some critics have also alleged that Baricuatro is using Duterte’s legal situation to gain attention and sympathy for her campaign.

Baricuatro strongly rejected these accusations. She reiterated her support for Rodriguez, describing him as a principled and capable leader.

Baricuatro explained that she has actively campaigned for Rodriguez at public events and holds him in high regard.

She dismissed the claims that she was neglecting his candidacy and emphasized that she looked forward to working with him.

With the elections fast approaching, Baricuatro stated that her campaign remains focused on promoting unity and change in Cebu.

She believes that the support from both Duterte and Avanceña strengthens her message of leadership that is grounded in experience and compassion.

“It came at a crucial moment when I am under attack from various sources,” Baricuatro said.

“Your words were truly comforting and uplifting. They not only unified us but also reinforced President Duterte's choice for change in Cebu," she added.(MyTVCebu)