The Cebu Provincial Prosecutor's Office has dismissed the criminal complaint filed against Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, effectively clearing her of allegations involving the improper use of a police uniform. The decision was officially released on January 14, 2026.
Case Dismissed Due to Lack of Evidence
The complaint was initiated by former Capitol consultant Byron Garcia. It accused Governor Baricuatro of violating Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code, which pertains to the illegal use of uniforms and insignia. The allegation centered on a photograph that circulated on social media, showing the Governor wearing what appeared to be a PNP-SWAT uniform during her birthday celebration.
However, after a thorough review, the prosecuting office determined there was insufficient basis to proceed with the case in court. In its resolution, the prosecution stated: "After an evaluation of the record, the undersigned prosecutor do not find the facts and circumstances as sufficient to support a prima facie evidence with a reasonable certainty of conviction to charge the respondent in court."
Prosecution Finds Image Was "Computer-Generated"
A key finding in the investigation led to the dismissal. The prosecutors concluded that the controversial photograph was "computer-generated" or edited. This crucial detail meant the essential elements of the alleged crime could not be proven.
Because the image was not authentic, the prosecution ruled it could not constitute a violation of the law on the "public and improper use of uniform or insignia." The complaint failed to establish that the Governor actually wore the uniform in a real-world setting.
Context of the Viral Photo
It is worth recalling that the photograph in question was reportedly part of a greeting extended by police personnel to Governor Baricuatro in her capacity as the local chief executive of the Province of Cebu. The social media post was intended as a celebratory gesture for her birthday.
The dismissal by the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor's Office brings a legal conclusion to this issue, absolving Governor Baricuatro of the criminal charges. The ruling underscores the importance of concrete and verifiable evidence in pursuing legal actions, especially those involving public figures.
