Cebu Governor Baricuatro Extends Olive Branch After Dismissed DSWD Case
In a display of political grace, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has publicly stated she holds no ill feelings toward Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 Director Shalaine Lucero, eight months after a legal complaint against her was dismissed. Baricuatro made these remarks during a visit to the Cebu Food Bank of SimplyShare Foundation Inc. (SSFI) in Subangdaku, Mandaue City, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
Moving Forward with Shared Goals
When questioned by the media about her current relationship with Lucero, Baricuatro responded, "We're okay." She acknowledged that the regional director was the one who initiated the lawsuit but emphasized a forward-looking perspective. "I can feel that at times she may have felt some embarrassment, but it's okay," Baricuatro said. "Let bygones be bygones — we have the same goal. She wants to help, and we also want to help."
Elisse Nicole Catalan, SSFI executive director and provincial health consultant, echoed this sentiment, noting that she has maintained a professional working relationship with Lucero despite the legal proceedings. "We just continue working together. In Bogo City, it was nothing — we never really talked about it," Catalan stated, adding that she remains open to discussing the issue if the opportunity arises.
Background of the Dismissed Complaint
The case originated from a complaint filed by Lucero against SSFI officials, including Baricuatro and Catalan, for alleged illegal solicitation of donations without the required DSWD permits. The Cebu City Prosecutor's Office dismissed the complaint in a resolution dated July 24, 2025, citing a lack of prima facie evidence for conviction under Presidential Decree 1564, the Solicitation Permit Law, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Prosecutors ruled that the evidence, primarily screenshots of social media posts supported by an affidavit of preservation, failed to meet the standards set by the Rules on Electronic Evidence. They emphasized that authentication of electronic documents is crucial and that the submissions were insufficient to prove the existence and genuineness of the alleged online solicitations.
Key Findings and Procedural Lapses
In their affidavits, Baricuatro and Catalan admitted to posting calls for donations online but argued these were done in good faith for charitable purposes, such as disaster relief and feeding programs. The prosecution acknowledged that the foundation engaged in solicitation without a permit but found no criminal intent, as the donations were intended for relief operations and assistance to calamity victims.
Prosecutors highlighted significant procedural lapses by the complainant, noting that Lucero failed to comply with DSWD implementing rules requiring up to three notices before filing a case for unpermitted solicitations. Records showed no such notices were served to SSFI, violating due process. "The three-notice rule is mandatory," prosecutors stated, warning that disregarding it could amount to abuse of authority.
Furthermore, the prosecution pointed out that DSWD 7 had previously recognized and commended SSFI's work, issuing certifications, accepting reports, and granting the foundation a license to operate valid until 2028. This prior support undermined claims of unlawful conduct, and prosecutors found no evidence of fraud, fund misuse, or personal gain. They recommended administrative remedies over criminal prosecution, stating, "Any penalty, if imposed, should be corrective, rather than criminalizing genuine acts of public service."
Evolution of the Cebu Food Bank
The foundation, which began as a home-based feeding initiative in 2015, evolved into a full-scale food bank by 2023, reflecting Baricuatro's expanded anti-hunger efforts. During her tour of the Cebu Food Bank facility, Baricuatro highlighted its mission to address food insecurity among vulnerable communities, particularly children.
Catalan explained that the food bank sources supplies from surplus food and donations from partner companies. It has partnered with the Global FoodBanking Network, an international nonprofit supporting food banks in over 50 countries. To secure such support, NGOs must undergo certification under the NGO source equivalency determination process.
The Cebu Food Bank is one of only two operational food banks in the Philippines, alongside Rise Against Hunger Philippines. Notably, the Angat Buhay Foundation, founded by former vice president Leni Robredo, is also working to establish its own food bank, indicating a growing focus on hunger alleviation efforts nationwide.
