No endorsement

Vice President Sara Duterte clarified that she is not officially endorsing local candidates in Cebu, including those in the gubernatorial race.

- Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon, Staff Member

This after Duterte and Cebu gubernatorial candidate Pamela Baricuatro were seen together in Danao City yesterday, which both parties have stressed was coincidence.

"Wala akong interactions with mga governor candidates except kanina, nasalubong ko yung isang candidate, si Ms. Pam Baricuatro. Meron siyang handshaking sa North Cebu ngayon. So, nagkita kami by chance doon sa labas ng cemetery ng Danao at masaya ako dahil nakita ko sa kanilang mga uniforms nandoon yung pagmumuka ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte," the Vice President said.

"Nagpapasalamat ako sa suporta nila sinabihan ko si candidate, si Miss Pam Baricuatro, nagpapasalamat ako dahil sinusuportahan nyo si Pangulong Duterte at tumutulong sila sa panawagan na iuwi na ang ating dating Pangulo dito sa Pilipinas," she added.

But she said that while Baricuatro has been a friend, she will not be making any local endorsements.

"Wala naman na ganoon. Pero kaibigan ko naman si Ms. Pam Baricuatro, bago pa man nagkaroon nang filing of candidacy, bago pa nagkaroon nang May 2025 elections, ay magkakilala na kami noon pa. Kaya hindi po odd or awkward sa amin magkausap at magkita." Baricuatro, however, has been endorsed by former President Rodrigo Duterte as the official gubernatorial candidate of PDP, of which he is chairman, while Vice President Sara Duterte is not a member of PDP.

During their encounter in Danao, Baricuatro and the vice president discussed the situation of the detained former president, the campaign season, and engaged with local residents.

Baricuatro, in her official statement after coincidentally meeting the Vice President while campaigning, clarified that the encounter was neither planned nor meant to be seen as an endorsement.

She said it was simply an authentic meeting between two individuals who have long supported each other's journey in public service.