Governor Pam Baricuatro categorically denied allegations circulating online that she abandoned or failed to assist Minglanilla Mayor Rajiv Enad following his suspension, stressing that such claims are misleading and ignore the boundaries of law and due process.
Mayor Enad, along with several Minglanilla officials from the previous term, was suspended for one year effective February 2 after the Office of the Ombudsman found them administratively liable for oppression and grave abuse of authority. The case stemmed from the alleged obstruction of business permits and safety plans that had already been approved by national technical experts.
Governor Baricuatro emphasized that the suspension was an independent administrative action carried out by the Office of the Ombudsman, a constitutional body, and that she had no involvement whatsoever in the case.
“I have nothing to do with the suspension of Mayor Rajiv of Minglanilla,” Baricuatro said. “Any interference on my part would only disrupt governance and undermine the rule of law.”
She underscored that as governor, she is duty-bound to respect the independence of legal and administrative processes, noting that intervening in an ongoing disciplinary case would be improper and contrary to principles of accountability and fairness.
“Leadership is not about political convenience or selective intervention,” Baricuatro said. “It is about upholding the law, even when it is difficult, and ensuring that due process is respected regardless of position or political affiliation.”
The governor also rejected claims suggesting she had a motive to instigate the suspension, pointing out that Mayor Enad is widely regarded as one of Cebu’s top-performing local chief executives.
Baricuatro further said that the allegations appear to be part of a broader political effort to sow division among local leaders and destabilize governance in the province. She urged the public and fellow officials to exercise discernment and not be swayed by what she described as misinformation circulating on social media.
Respect for due process, she added, should not be misconstrued as abandonment or indifference.
The governor reiterated that her administration remains focused on its constitutional mandate of ensuring stability in local governance, continuity of public services, and strict adherence to legal frameworks.
“The success of the mayors is the success of Cebu,” Baricuatro said, reaffirming her commitment to continued cooperation between the Provincial Government and local government units across the province.
