THE legal team of Cebu Gov.-elect Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro has asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to dismiss the election protest filed by outgoing Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, calling it a “nuisance suit” that lacks specific allegations of fraud.
The incoming governor’s camp asserts that her 1,107,728 votes compared to Garcia’s 764,884 are a clear mandate from the people.
In a 56-page answer submitted on Monday, June 16, 2025, Baricuatro’s legal counsel said the protest does not allege any specific acts of fraud or irregularities that would justify further proceedings. The reply was filed by lawyer Alberto Agra, with assistance from the Batuhan Blando Law Offices.
Garcia filed the protest on June 3, alleging that her votes were wrongly credited to Baricuatro through digital fraud. She also claimed the results did not reflect the true will of the electorate.
Baricuatro’s team received the Comelec summons on June 10.
In its response, Baricuatro’s legal team argued that the protest is insufficient in form and substance, fails to allege fraud with particularity and lacks the basis for a ballot recount or revision. The team also said the protest raises issues that have already been addressed by the Comelec.
The answer further stated that the protest does not comply with legal requirements, fails to include indispensable parties and is a belated attempt to contest the election outcome.
Baricuatro’s camp emphasized that her win was “transformational” and maintained their full cooperation in the legal process.
“We welcome this opportunity to reaffirm the legitimacy of our victory and the will of the people,” the statement read.
“We trust the Commission on Elections to resolve this swiftly and fairly. Our focus remains on delivering the promises of our mandate,” it added. / CDF