Pam denies influencing Cebu lawmakers to vote for Sara impeachment

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THE issue was never on my agenda.

This was Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro’s firm response after expressing surprise at being dragged into the controversy surrounding the rumored impeachment moves against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, May 13, Baricuatro dismissed allegations that she had attempted to influence Cebu lawmakers regarding the impeachment issue, saying her focus remained on governance and Cebu’s hosting of international events.

“Nahibong nalang man ko nganong naapil ko aning impeachment nga wala man ko nag-focus ana. It’s not part of my agenda,” Baricuatro said.

“My agenda is to make sure nga atong ASEAN is successful. Mapagan gyud ta diri sa Cebu if mapalpak ta. Happy to say nga the national organizing committee is very happy of the result, especially the Cebuano people. Ila gyud tawon gituman akong hangyo nga be kind,” she added.

Baricuatro’s statement came days after allegations circulated online claiming that she had supposedly contacted Cebu congressmen to convince them not to support impeachment efforts against Duterte.

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

In the post, the vlogger claimed Baricuatro had allegedly been reprimanded by Malacañang for supposedly 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 governor’s camp immediately denied the allegation.

Dr. Elisse Nicole Catalan, Baricuatro’s daughter and Cebu Capitol health consultant, defended the governor in a Facebook post, saying no such calls had been made.

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

“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 also said Baricuatro had remained focused on governance and public service since assuming office.

“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 participating in any effort to influence Cebu lawmakers on the impeachment issue.

“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 stressed that, as a member of the executive branch, her responsibilities centered 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 raise the matter 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 intensified political discourse online involving Duterte supporters and continuing speculation over possible impeachment efforts against the vice president in Congress.(TGP)