Cebu Governor Faces Graft Charges Over Sea Ambulance Claims and Misleading Statements
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro is facing administrative charges over claims she made about a sea ambulance for the province. The complaint, filed by Byron Garcia—brother of former governor Gwendolyn Garcia—accuses her of graft, misconduct, and misleading statements. Baricuatro has denied wrongdoing and vowed to continue her work despite the legal challenge.
The case stems from Baricuatro’s public remarks in 2023, where she allegedly stated that the province had acquired Kaugalingong sea rescue boats before they were officially delivered. A formal complaint was lodged on December 1, 2025, with both the Office of the Ombudsman and the Office of the President. Garcia has urged authorities to investigate and penalise Baricuatro for what he calls 'false statements.'
Records later showed that the sea ambulance in question was only a prototype, received from the supplier on October 26, 2025. The complaint also highlights an October 7, 2025, online post by Baricuatro, which reportedly led residents to believe the province already possessed a fully operational emergency vessel. She later clarified that the vessel did not belong to the province and was not yet in service under existing regulations.
Baricuatro has defended her administration’s focus on improving health services, including plans to secure a sea ambulance for remote island emergencies. In response to the charges, she stated, 'Let him file all the cases he wants. I will face him in court. I will continue my work because it is clear that Cebu and the Capitol are better off now.'
The investigation into Baricuatro’s statements remains ongoing. If found liable, she could face penalties under administrative law. Meanwhile, the governor maintains that her priorities—including healthcare upgrades—will not be derailed by the legal dispute.
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