Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro defended her decision to attend the fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., stating it was a fulfillment of her duties and a show of respect for the presidency.
Governor's Commitment to Regional Development
I went to the SONA and I supported the President. But I was heavily criticized... Why shouldn’t I? I respect authority, a president is a president.
Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro
The governor addressed the criticism during a fuel subsidy distribution event in Sibonga. Baricuatro, a former supporter of President Rodrigo Duterte, was questioned by some of her constituents and fellow Duterte supporters about her SONA attendance.
- Baricuatro serves as chairman of the Regional Development Council in Central Visayas.
- She is one of three governors reporting directly to the President on regional projects.
Baricuatro clarified that her role as the head of the Regional Development Council (RDC) warranted her presence at the SONA. She explained that among the governors in the Visayas, she was selected to represent the region's interests directly to the President.
She stated, "So knowing that, why shouldn’t I attend the SONA, right?" Her attendance also served as a gesture of gratitude for the national government’s support during the province's recovery from the 2025 earthquake and Typhoon Tino.
Despite the online backlash, Baricuatro expressed confidence that many critics were not from Cebu. She acknowledged the support from Cebuanos, highlighting that the administration’s priorities aligned with local government initiatives.
Baricuatro welcomed the government’s focus on disaster preparedness and food security, as well as proposed tax exemptions and healthcare expansions, which she believes would alleviate financial pressures on families.
During her time in Manila for the SONA, Baricuatro also engaged with Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado and investment leaders to discuss potential investments in Cebu and Bohol.