Baricuatro Defends SONA Attendance Amid Online Backlash

Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro defended her attendance at the fifth State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., explaining that her presence at the annual gathering in Quezon City stemmed directly from her obligations as a regional development leader and her respect for the Office of the President.

Speaking during a fuel subsidy distribution in Sibonga on Wednesday, Baricuatro addressed online criticism she faced from fellow supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte over her decision to appear at the Batasang Pambansa Complex. According to the governor, her status as chairman of the Regional Development Council in Central Visayas and head of the RDC Committee for the Visayas Area made the trip appropriate and necessary.

Regional Development Leadership Responsibilities

Baricuatro noted that only three regional governors across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao hold the specific mandate to directly report regional development concerns and projects to the Office of the President. Among the two governors in Region 7, she was chosen as regional head, and among the five governors in the Visayas, she was selected to lead RDC Visayas.

“So tulo rami ka gobernador nga mo-report mi directly to the President regarding projects,” Baricuatro stated during her remarks, emphasizing that her administrative role requires direct communication with the chief executive. Downplaying the online backlash, she added that she believes many of the individuals criticizing her online are not actually from Cebu, and she expressed gratitude for the ongoing support of local residents.

National Disaster Recovery and Alignment of Priorities

Beyond her formal council duties, Baricuatro pointed to the national government’s assistance following the 2025 earthquake and Typhoon Tino as a primary reason for her attendance. She stated that the national administration did not abandon Cebu during those disasters, viewing her presence at the address as a way to show reciprocal support.

Following the presidential address, Baricuatro noted that several key national priorities align closely with initiatives already pursued by the Cebu Provincial Government. She welcomed a renewed focus on disaster preparedness, drawing on Cebu’s recent experiences with calamities. Furthermore, she expressed support for administration initiatives regarding food security, agriculture, worker tax expansions, and the removal of system loss charges from electricity bills to ease financial pressures on families.

Healthcare Programs and Manila Business Engagements

The governor also endorsed the expansion of healthcare frameworks, including Universal Healthcare, Yakap, additional PhilHealth coverage, and increased access to rehabilitation therapy services. According to Baricuatro, the planned expansion of rehabilitation therapy complements provincial efforts to make these medical services more accessible to indigent residents.

During her trip to Manila for the event, Baricuatro utilized her time to hold discussions with other leaders. She met with Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado and San Miguel Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ramon Ang to evaluate possible investments for Cebu and Bohol. She also conferred with officials from the Land Bank of the Philippines concerning assistance programs for farmers and financing options for micro, small, and medium enterprises across the province.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro attend the fifth State of the Nation Address?
Baricuatro stated that her attendance was part of her responsibility as a regional development leader, her role as head of the Regional Development Council in Central Visayas, and a sign of respect for the Office of the President. She also cited national government disaster assistance provided to Cebu following the 2025 earthquake and Typhoon Tino.

How did Baricuatro respond to criticism from supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte?
The governor downplayed the online backlash, noting that she believes many of the critics are not from Cebu, and emphasized that she respects authority and supports the current president in her capacity as a government official.

What other officials and business leaders did Baricuatro meet with during her visit to Manila?
During her trip for the State of the Nation Address, Baricuatro met with Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, San Miguel Corp. Chairman and CEO Ramon Ang, and officials from the Land Bank of the Philippines.

How do you view a local chief executive’s balance between national political alliances and regional administrative duties?