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Pam Baricuatro

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In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Silagan and the surname or paternal family name is Baricuatro.

Pam Baricuatro
Baricuatro in 2025
Governor-elect of Cebu
Assuming office
June 30, 2025
Vice GovernorGlenn Soco
SucceedingGwendolyn Garcia
Personal details
Born
Pamela Silagan Baricuatro
Political partyPDP (2024–present)
Other political
affiliations		PFP (until 2024)
Children1
Alma mater
Occupation
  • Politician
  • philanthropist
  • businesswoman
Websitepambaricuatro.com

Pamela "Pam" Silagan Baricuatro is a Filipino politician and philanthropist who is the governor-elect of Cebu. A member of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), she is the founder of the Visayas-based food bank Simply Share Foundation.

Baricuatro is a graduate of the University of San Carlos. She pursued legal studies at the University of the Visayas before dropping out to work as a flight stewardess for Cathay Pacific. She founded the Simply Share Foundation in 2015 and later served as a board executive of the Landbank Resource and Development Corporation during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte.

In 2025, Baricuatro ran for governor of Cebu under the PDP banner. She positioned herself as an ally of former President Duterte and received endorsements from personalities identified with his camp. Though her campaign had limited political machinery, she defeated incumbent Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in an upset victory. Garcia later contested the results, leading to a contentious transfer of power. Baricuatro is scheduled to be sworn in as the province's 27th governor on June 30, 2025.

Education

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Baricuatro studied at the University of San Carlos in Cebu City, earning a degree in political science. She attended law school at the University of the Visayas but dropped out after her third year when she joined Cathay Pacific as a flight stewardess to support her child.[1] Baricuatro also attended formal programs in strategy at the City University of Hong Kong and in public administration at Harvard University.[2]

Simply Share Foundation

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In 2015, Baricuatro founded the Simply Share Foundation, the first food bank in Visayas.[3] The organization actively participated in relief efforts following the landfall of Typhoon Odette in 2021, which heavily impacted Cebu.[4][5] Miss Universe Philippines 2021 titleholder Beatrice Gomez, who hailed from Cebu, rallied support for the foundation and other non-governmental organizations through donation drives in response to the typhoon.[4][5]

Baricuatro's daughter, Elisse Nicole Catalan, succeeded her as director of the Simply Share Foundation.[6]

[edit]

On April 1, 2025, Baricuatro dismissed allegations that the operations of her foundation were a scam, deeming such claims as "political persecution".[7]

On April 5, 2025, the central office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched an investigation into the organization after a Facebook post reported that the foundation received a ₱1 million donation from the Philippine Navy in February 2022 while lacking the appropriate permits under the DSWD to operate.[8] A subpoena was issued for Baricuatro on April 2 to appear before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).[6] While she expressed confidence in facing the bureau, she did not appear before the NBI on April 7, upon legal advice from her lawyer.[6] The DSWD formally filed a criminal complaint against the organization on April 8, citing violations of the Solicitation Permit Law.[9][10]

In response to the litigation, Commodore Jose Lito de Guzman, the commander of the Naval Forces Central of the Philippine Navy, clarified that their donations were sourced from voluntary donations from Navy personnel coming from their meal allowances.[11]

Duterte administration

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During the Duterte administration, Baricuatro was appointed as a board executive of the Landbank Resource and Development Corporation, where she established political ties with then-Davao City mayor Sara Duterte.[3] Baricuatro also served as secretary-general of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas.[12][when?]

2025 Cebu gubernatorial campaign

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Main article: 2025 Cebu local elections

Baricuatro had originally planned to seek a seat in the House of Representatives in 2025, running in Cebu's third district.[13] When Rowena Burden, a critic of incumbent governor Gwendolyn Garcia who was poised as a possible gubernatorial candidate, died on December 15, 2023, she shifted her plans and sought the province's governorship.[13] She filed her certificate of candidacy as a candidate of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino.

Describing herself as the "people's governor", Baricuatro positioned herself as an ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte and a staunch critic of Governor Garcia.[14][15] She refused to identify as a politician and capitalized on her image as a philanthropist.[16] During the campaign, Hakbang ng Maisug-Cebu accused Baricuatro of sidelining Duterte-aligned senatorial candidates and questioned her intentions. Baricuatro denied the allegations, insisting that she consistently supported all candidates aligned with the party.[17]

Media outlets such as the Cebu Daily News and Rappler viewed Governor Garcia, who sought re-election, to be heavily favored in the gubernatorial race, owing to her lengthy tenure and consistent electoral strength.[18] Baricuatro, in contrast, was viewed as a neophyte who lacked political machinery, local networks, and funds.[19] In the lead-up to the election, Baricuatro received endorsements from former president Duterte and other Duterte-aligned figures, including his partner Honeylet Avanceña.[20][21] She also received endorsements from the Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya, led by Ramon Durano III, the vice mayor of Danao.[22] On March 11, 2025, Baricuatro and independent vice gubernatorial candidate Lito Ruiz allied and began running as a ticket.[23]

On May 12, 2025, Baricuatro was elected governor in an upset victory, defeating Garcia and her other opponents.[24][25][26] She won in 29 of the province's cities and municipalities and made inroads in the congressional districts held by Garcia's allies.[27] Allies of former President Duterte regarded Baricuatro's election as a political realignment in the local politics of Cebu.[21]

Governor of Cebu (from 2025)

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Gubernatorial transition and electoral dispute

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Baricuatro's victory was proclaimed on May 13 and she promptly became the governor-elect of Cebu.[14] On May 19, Baricuatro announced her transition team, led by lawyer Edmund Lao, and sought the assistance of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police in securing a smooth transition of power from the outgoing Garcia administration.[28]

On May 31, Baricuatro accused the outgoing administration of obstructing her gubernatorial transition, describing Garcia's camp as deliberate in their refusal to cooperate.[29] Subsequently, on June 3, Garcia filed an electoral protest before the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), citing "technical and software-proven evidence" that suggests that votes intended for Garcia were counted for Baricuatro in over 4,100 precincts.[30][31] Baricuatro dismissed the protest, describing Garcia's claims as "baseless and absurd".[32] She asserted that there was "no room for refusal or drama" with her transition to the governorship and left her legal team to address the dispute.[33][34]

Early tenure

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Baricuatro's term as the 27th governor of Cebu will begin on June 30, 2025.[28] She previously took the oath as governor before Judge Anna Marie Militante in a small gathering on May 22 at the Cebu City Sports Club.[35][36] As governor-elect, Baricuatro has cited healthcare as her priority in her administration.[37] On May 21, Baricuatro announced that her administration will discontinue the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo and Suroy-Suroy Sugbo programs instituted by her predecessor, citing challenges in logistics and finance.[38]

Personal life

[edit]

Baricuatro was close friends with Rowena Burden, who announced her intentions to run for the Cebu governorship before her death.[39][40] Baricuatro has stated that Burden's death compelled her to seek the governorship herself.[41]

Electoral history

[edit]
Electoral history of Pam Baricuatro
Year Office Party Votes received Result
Total % P. Swing
2025 Governor of Cebu PDP 1,107,924 58.11% 1st — Won

References

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  1. ^ Lato-Ruffolo, Cris Evert (May 10, 2017). "Motherhood, womanhood". INQUIRER.net. Archived from the original on June 4, 2023. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  2. ^ "Pamela Silagan Baricuatro". Rappler. May 13, 2025. Archived from the original on May 13, 2025. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  3. ^ a b "'Who she?' How Pam Baricuatro ended Gwen Garcia's dynasty". POLITIKO. May 14, 2025.
  4. ^ a b Lachica, Immae (December 19, 2021). "Queen to the rescue: Bea Gomez comes to the aid of fellow Cebuanos". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
  5. ^ a b Lim, Ron (December 27, 2021). "Miss Universe PH Beatrice Luigi Gomez continues call for aid for areas ravaged by Typhoon Odette". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
  6. ^ a b c Villa, Jonnavie; Palaubsanon, Mitchelle (April 8, 2025). "As daughter defends foundation: Pam Baricuatro no-show at NBI". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on April 8, 2025. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
  7. ^ Flores, Claudine; Padronia, Earl Kim H. (April 1, 2025). "Baricuatro denies 'scamming' allegations". SunStar Publishing Inc. Archived from the original on April 2, 2025. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
  8. ^ De Dios, Kristin; Villa, Jonnavie (April 5, 2025). "For "illegal" solicitation: DSWD probes baricuatro's foundation". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on April 4, 2025. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
  9. ^ Inso, Futch Anthony (April 8, 2025). "DSWD files criminal case vs Pam Baricuatro's foundation". Cebu Daily News. Archived from the original on April 9, 2025. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
  10. ^ Fuentes, Kaiser Jan (April 15, 2025). "DSWD files criminal case vs foundation". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on April 15, 2025. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
  11. ^ Inso, Futch Anthony (April 8, 2025). "P1M donation to Simply Share not from gov't funds — Navy". Cebu Daily News. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
  12. ^ Oliverio, Niña Mae C. (November 6, 2024). "Pam Baricuatro, gov aspirant, eyes 'change in leadership' for Cebu". Cebu Daily News. Retrieved June 6, 2025.
  13. ^ a b Oliverio, Niña Mae C. (November 6, 2024). "Pam Baricuatro, gov aspirant, eyes 'change in leadership' for Cebu". Cebu Daily News. Archived from the original on April 9, 2025. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  14. ^ a b Villa, Jonnavie; Palaubsanon, Mitchelle (May 14, 2025). "Baricuatro ends Garcia's reign at the capitol: Pam proclaimed new governor". Philstar.com. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  15. ^ Erram, Morexette Marie B. (May 14, 2025). "Pamela Baricuatro: I'm the People's Governor". Cebu Daily News. Archived from the original on May 15, 2025. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  16. ^ Oliverio, Niña Mae C. (November 6, 2024). "Pam Baricuatro to Gwen Garcia: 'She should be the one to fear me'". Cebu Daily News. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  17. ^ Palaubsanon, Mitchelle L. (April 15, 2025). "Maisug-Cebu, Baricuatro clash over Duterte endorsements?". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on April 14, 2025. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  18. ^ Sitchon, John (October 18, 2024). "Governor, humanitarian, seaman to fight for vote-rich Cebu in 2025". RAPPLER. Archived from the original on November 8, 2024. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  19. ^ Erram, Morexette Marie B. (May 15, 2025). "Pam Baricuatro: How did a neophyte beat a political heavyweight?". Cebu Daily News. Archived from the original on May 15, 2025. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  20. ^ Fuentes, Kaiser Jan (April 22, 2025). "Baricuatro endorsed by Duterte's partner". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on April 22, 2025. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  21. ^ a b Piquero, Pia (May 16, 2025). "Duterte-aligned bloc: Baricuatro win new chapter for Cebu leadership". Cebu Daily News. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  22. ^ Dios, Kristin De (October 12, 2024). "BAKUD Party backs Pam Baricuatro for governor". The Philippine Star. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  23. ^ Fuentes, Kaiser Jan (March 11, 2025). "Ruiz, Baricuatro join hands". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on April 5, 2025. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  24. ^ Andales, Vilma; Perez, Annie (May 13, 2025). "Pam Baricuatro is Cebu's governor-elect". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on May 15, 2025. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  25. ^ Padronia, Earl Kim H. (May 13, 2025). "Pam Baricuatro poised to unseat Gwen Garcia". SunStar Publishing Inc. Archived from the original on May 13, 2025. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  26. ^ Roque, Nika (May 13, 2025). "Pam Baricuatro is Cebu's new governor". GMA News Online. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  27. ^ Mallari Jr., Delfin T.; Agonoy, Leah D.; Semilla-Dakay, Nestle (May 13, 2025). "Garcias' hold on Cebu crumbles". Inquirer.net. Archived from the original on May 14, 2025. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  28. ^ a b Flores, Claudine (May 19, 2025). "Pam forms transition team". SunStar Publishing Inc. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  29. ^ Piquero, Pia (May 31, 2025). "Pam Baricuatro hits Gwen for delaying transition proceedings". Cebu Daily News. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
  30. ^ Erram, Morexette Marie B. (June 3, 2025). "Breaking: Gwen files electoral protest". Cebu Daily News. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
  31. ^ Cañete, Bombo Eljonah (June 3, 2025). ""Electoral Protest" isang-at ni Outgoing Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia sa COMELEC" [Outgoing Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia files Electoral Protest before COMELEC]. Bombo Radyo Cebu (in Cebuano). Retrieved June 4, 2025.
  32. ^ Newman, Minerva; Cruz, Aytch Dela (June 4, 2025). "Cut the drama: Baricuatro tells Garcia to accept defeat". Manila Standard. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
  33. ^ Erram, Morexette Marie B. (June 5, 2025). "Pam responds to Gwen's electoral protest; 'rough transition' looms". Cebu Daily News. Retrieved June 6, 2025.
  34. ^ Newman, Minerva; Cruz, Aytch Dela (June 5, 2025). "Baricuatro leaves up Garcia's electoral protest to legal team". Manila Standard. Retrieved June 6, 2025.
  35. ^ Oliverio, Niña Mae C. (May 22, 2025). "Baricuatro takes oath as governor, eyes 'harmonious' ties with Cebu City". Cebu Daily News. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
  36. ^ Fuentes, Kaiser Jan (May 24, 2025). "New Cebu governor takes oath". The Manila Times. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
  37. ^ Sitchon, John (May 21, 2025). "Rappler Talk: Pam Baricuatro on her plans for a 'new Cebu'". RAPPLER. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  38. ^ Villa, Jonnavie (May 21, 2025). "Healthcare, public services to be prioritized: Pam scraps Pasigarbo, Suroy-suroy". Philstar.com. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  39. ^ Oliverio, Niña Mae C. (September 28, 2023). "Dr. Burden to run against Gwen in 2025 gubernatorial elections". Cebu Daily News. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
  40. ^ Piquero, Pia (December 15, 2023). "Rowena Burden passes away". Cebu Daily News. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
  41. ^ Palaubsanon, Mitchelle L. (May 15, 2025). "Baricuatro visits best friend's grave after winning governorship". qa.philstar.com. Archived from the original on May 14, 2025. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
[edit]
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Political offices
Preceded by Governor of Cebu
2025– 		Succeeded by
Elect
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