Cebu Gubernatorial Race Results Announced
Pam Baricuatro has emerged victorious in the Cebu gubernatorial race, unseating incumbent governor Gwen Garcia, who was aiming for her third and final term. Baricuatro, a political newcomer, secured a significant lead with 1,107,924 votes. This figure represented the highest number of legally cast ballots for the governor’s position in the province.
Her closest rival, Garcia, received 750,102 votes, while Valeriano Gingco trailed with 33,147 votes. These partial and unofficial results highlight a decisive win for Baricuatro in the contest.
Victory Celebration and Public Reaction
During the official proclamation, Baricuatro took to the stage for the ceremonial raising of hands, with supporters enthusiastically chanting her name. In an interview before the proclamation, she described her win as “overwhelming” and emphasized the clean nature of her campaign.
“This is unprecedented considering that this is a clean campaign. I did not buy votes at all, there is no massive spending on my part. So it’s a very simple campaign focused on my message to the people of the province of Cebu,” she said.
Baricuatro also credited former President Rodrigo Duterte for his endorsement, saying, “This victory is not only my victory, it’s the victory of the province of Cebu, and it’s also the victory of former President Rodrigo Duterte. So the people has spoken. They have voted for the governor that he endorsed, so I share this victory with him.”
Desire for Change Drives Election Outcome
When asked about defeating the long-serving governor, Baricuatro noted, “It’s obvious that the people of the province of Cebu want change. ‘Yun lang talaga. Gusto nila ng pagbabago.”
Her campaign platform focuses heavily on improving Cebu’s healthcare system. “Problema namin ‘yung access to healthcare dito, ‘yung mga hospital,” she explained.
Challenges Ahead for the New Governor
As a political newcomer, Baricuatro acknowledges the hurdles ahead. “I don’t have machinery with me. I don’t have any other… the vice governor is not with me and the whole council is not with me. We’re not the same party. We need to work together, stay focused on serving the people of the province of Cebu. I’m willing to work with them and I hope that they would also work with me.”
She further emphasized unity, saying, “This is a time to heal Cebu. We need to come together and unite if you want to have change and progress in the province of Cebu.”
Collaboration and Continuity in Governance
Baricuatro extended an olive branch to her predecessor, stating, “I’m willing to work with her and I don’t need to change programs or her projects that works. I’m open to any suggestion.”
Meanwhile, in the vice gubernatorial race, Garcia’s running mate Glenn Soco won with 1,072,464 votes, far ahead of independent candidate Joselito Rizal, who received 408,335 votes.
Backgrounds and Political Context
Pam Baricuatro is a lawyer and retired flight attendant. She ran under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) and received the endorsement of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
Gwen Garcia is Cebu’s first elected female governor, serving from 2004 to 2013 and reelected in 2019. Despite losing the election, she has yet to issue a concession statement.
Legal Issues Surrounding Garcia
Garcia is currently under a six-month suspension without pay, ordered by the ombudsman due to allegations of grave abuse of authority. The case involves her issuance of a special permit to a construction company without proper legal basis. The suspension order was served on April 28, 2025.
She plans to appeal the suspension, explaining, “My legal team is already taking the necessary steps to challenge this preventive suspension through the proper legal channels. I have full faith that truth and justice will prevail.”
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