Baricuatro denies attempting to convince Cebu solons to back VP Sara impeachment
BARICUATRO (Cebu Province FB)
CEBU CITY – Gov. Pamela Baricuatro denied allegations that she attempted to convince lawmakers from Cebu to vote in favor of the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Baricuatro told reporters on Wednesday, May 13, that the allegations caught her by surprise.
“I was surprised when I was dragged in the impeachment issue when that is not my focus. It’s not part of my agenda,” Baricuatro said.
The issue stemmed from a May 8 post on social media platform Alvin & Tourism, a Facebook page owned by a Netherlands-based Filipino content creator and a die-hard supporter of former President Duterte.
“Pam Baricuatro, tinood ba na gitawagan nimu ang mga congressman, kay gipabadlong ka sa palasyo na dili mang recruit to vote No karong lunes? (Pam Baricuatro, is it true that you called up congressmen because you were reprimanded by the Palace not to recruit No votes this Monday?)” the post said.
The House impeached the Vice President with only four of the 13 lawmakers from Cebu voting against.
Baricuatro insisted she had no time minding the impeachment issue as she was focused on ensuring the successful staging of the recent 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Leaders’ Summit in Lapu-Lapu City.
“My agenda was to ensure the success of the ASEAN Summit and I am happy to say that the national organizing committee was very happy with the result, especially the Cebuano people,” Baricuatro said.
Baricuatro’s daughter, Dr. Elisse Nicole Catalan, defended her mother.
“I swear with my own life no such calls were made,” Catalan said in a Facebook post. “How dare some make insinuations that the governor is ‘convincing’ Cebu congressmen and women to have the VP impeached? What proof do you have, even?”
Baricuatro said any Cebu lawmaker can come forward to prove that she influenced them.
“If any Cebu-based congressman or congresswoman believes I have attempted to influence their vote or position, I welcome constructive, transparent discussion,” Baricuatro said.