CEBU, PHILIPPINES — Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has defended her decision to attend President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), saying her presence at the annual event was rooted in respect for the Office of the President and her responsibilities as a regional development leader.
Speaking during the distribution of fuel subsidies in Sibonga last Wednesday, Baricuatro dismissed criticism from supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte, who questioned her attendance at the SONA.
“Niadto ko sa SONA ug akong gisuportahan ang Presidente. Pero gi-bash ko’g maayo, gi-bash ko og nganong niadto ko. Nganong dili man? I respect authority, a president is a president,” said Baricuatro.
The governor said she saw nothing improper about attending the President’s annual address, stressing that it was part of her duty as a public official.
Baricuatro noted that she currently serves as chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Central Visayas, a position she assumed in October 2025 following her appointment by President Marcos.
She was later elected chairperson of the Regional Development Committee–Visayas Area Committee (RD Com–VAC) through a consensus among the governors representing the Visayas during the committee’s reorganization meeting on January 26.
According to Baricuatro, only three governors—representing Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao—regularly report directly to the President on regional development priorities.
“Unya sa lima sad ka governors diri sa Visayas ako nasay gipili nila ug RDC Visayas head. So tulo rami ka gobernador nga mo-report mi directly to the President regarding projects,” she said.
“So knowing that, nganong dili man ko moadto sa SONA, di ba?” Baricuatro added.
She also downplayed the online backlash, saying she believes many of those criticizing her are not from Cebu.
“Pasagdii na lang ninyo kay ang mga bashers dili na taga-Cebu. Ang mga Sugbuanon kay namati gyud nako ang inyong mainit nga pagpangga nako. I will always be grateful for that. Thank you so much,” she said.
Baricuatro personally attended the SONA at the Batasang Pambansa Complex, where President Marcos outlined his administration’s legislative agenda and policy priorities.
Following the address, the governor said several of the President’s priority programs complement initiatives already being pursued by the Cebu Provincial Government.
“I welcome them as they align with our priorities in Cebu and the needs on the ground, including those affecting Cebuanos,” Baricuatro said.
Among the proposals she welcomed was the administration’s continuing emphasis on disaster preparedness, which she described as timely given Cebu’s recent experience with natural calamities.
“I am particularly glad that strengthening disaster response was mentioned, especially given Cebu’s experience during recent calamities,” she said.
Baricuatro also expressed support for the President’s agenda on food security and agriculture, as well as proposals to expand tax exemptions for workers and remove system loss charges from electricity bills, saying these would ease the financial burden on Filipino families.
She likewise welcomed the administration’s healthcare initiatives, noting that they align with one of her administration’s flagship priorities.
“More than anything, since healthcare is my priority, the expansion of health programs, including Universal Healthcare, Yakap, and additional PhilHealth coverage is a welcome development,” she said.
The governor added that the planned expansion of rehabilitation therapy coverage complements the provincial government’s efforts to make rehabilitation services more accessible to indigent Cebuanos.
Written by Jonnavie Villa/FPL
