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CEBU CITY — A candidate for Cebu governor has denied allegations that she is using pro-Duterte prayer rallies to advance her political campaign.
On Wednesday, Pamela Baricuatro responded to criticism that she forced her way onto the stage at these gatherings, insisting that she has been a supporter of former president Rodrigo Duterte since 2015 and that she did not exploit the events for self-promotion.
Prayer rallies
The prayer rallies, organized by supporters of Duterte, were held across Cebu to call for the former president's release following his arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Duterte, the 16th president of the Philippines (2016-2022), remains a highly polarizing figure known for his war on drugs, which allegedly led to around 30,000 of deaths, according to reports from human rights groups.
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The ICC has charged Duterte with crimes against humanity, citing extrajudicial killings and human rights violations during his administration.
His supporters who claim the charges are politically motivated, have been mobilized nationwide to protest his arrest.
'All allegations'
Baricuatro told The Manila Times that she was in towns of Aloguinsan and Pinamungajan during the most recent rally and not in Bogo City, as some critics alleged where she forced herself to be there.
She said she has video evidence proving her presence in the south of Cebu and dismissed the accusations as an attempt to discredit her.
"It makes no sense for me to be in the north when I was clearly in the south. This seems like a tactic by pro-Duterte and pro-Gwen individuals to hinder my participation in future rallies," she said.
Supporter ever since
She emphasized her deep involvement in the Duterte Movement, recalling how she helped organize "Maisog" rallies last year in support of the former president.
"If there are those who seek to discredit me because of these rallies, or perhaps some supporters who wish for me to participate in that Bogo rally, then let it be so!" she said.
She also questioned why her supporters would want her to attend the Bogo gathering, claiming it was poorly organized and not well-attended.
Duterte-Garcia faction
Baricuatro claimed that these are made by Duterte supporters who also support her opponent Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.
Garcia, who was previously aligned with Duterte, has since shifted her political support to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. In January 2025, she and 15 other Visayas governors signed a manifesto expressing support for Marcos and his vision for national progress.
The collective endorsement, known as the "One Visayas Bloc," signified a regional alignment with the current administration's policies and initiatives.
Baricuatro suggested that her political opponents are attempting to undermine her credibility among Duterte supporters.
Online post vs Pam
However, the Facebook page "Sara Duterte Philippines," which supports Vice President Sara Duterte, criticized Baricuatro's alleged actions.
In a statement, the group reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the integrity of their movement, which they said exists to uphold Duterte's legacy and advocate for just governance.
"Our movement stands to uphold the legacy of Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, advocate for just governance, and mobilize in defense of our nation's interests — not to serve as a platform for individual political campaigns," they wrote.
The group claimed to have received reports from local organizers in Cebu that Baricuatro repeatedly attempted to insert her campaign into their cause-driven gatherings, despite being informed multiple times that these were not political events.
The Duterte supporters warned that they would not tolerate any political aspirant using their movement for personal gain.
"While we appreciate any political aspirant who aligns themselves with the Duterte Movement, we will not tolerate those who use our cause as a mere tool for self-promotion," the group stated.
