Cebu Governor Expresses No Hard Feelings After Dismissed DSWD Complaint
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has publicly stated that she harbors no ill feelings toward Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Central Visayas Director Shalaine Lucero, despite a recently dismissed complaint filed against her. The governor made these remarks eight months after the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office dismissed the case.
"Let Bygones Be Bygones"
"We're okay," Baricuatro told media members on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, when asked about her current relationship with Lucero. She acknowledged that "the RD (regional director) is the one who sued me" but emphasized moving forward. "I can feel that at times she may have felt some embarrassment, but it's okay," the governor added during her visit to the Cebu Food Bank of SimplyShare Foundation Inc. in Subangdaku, Mandaue City.
Baricuatro stressed their shared objectives, stating: "Let bygones be bygones—we have the same goal. She wants to help, and we also want to help."
Professional Relationships Maintained
Elisse Nicole Catalan, executive director of SimplyShare Foundation Inc. and provincial health consultant, confirmed 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 explained. "We never had the chance to talk about it," she added, noting that she remains open to discussing the matter with the DSWD director.
Case Dismissal Details
The Cebu City Prosecutor's Office dismissed the complaint filed by Lucero against SSFI officials for alleged illegal solicitation of donations. In a resolution dated July 24, 2025, prosecutors found no prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction against Baricuatro and Catalan.
The case involved alleged violations of Presidential Decree 1564, or the Solicitation Permit Law, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act. Prosecutors determined that "there is no evidence that SSFI ever defrauded any donor, misappropriated any funds, or used contributions for personal gain."
Prosecution's Key Findings
The resolution highlighted several critical factors in the dismissal:
- Weak Electronic Evidence: Prosecutors ruled that screenshots of social media posts supported by an affidavit of preservation failed to meet standards under the Rules on Electronic Evidence.
- Good Faith Defense: Respondents acknowledged posting calls for donations online but maintained these were undertaken in good faith for charitable purposes including disaster relief and feeding programs.
- Procedural Lapses: The resolution cited failure to comply with DSWD's implementing rules requiring up to three notices before filing a case for unpermitted solicitations.
- Prior Recognition: DSWD 7 had previously recognized and commended the foundation's work, issuing certifications and granting a license to operate until 2028.
From Home Kitchen to Food Bank
During her tour of the Cebu Food Bank facility, Baricuatro showcased the foundation's expanded anti-hunger efforts. What began as a home-based feeding initiative in 2015 has evolved into a full-scale food bank by 2023.
Catalan explained that the Cebu Food Bank sources supplies from surplus food and donations from partner companies. The organization has partnered with Global FoodBanking Network, an international nonprofit supporting food banks in more than 50 countries. Before securing such support, nongovernmental organizations must undergo certification under the NGO source equivalency determination process.
The Cebu Food Bank is currently one of only two food banks operating in the Philippines, alongside Rise Against Hunger Philippines. Angat Buhay Foundation, founded by former Vice President Leni Robredo, is also working to establish its own food bank.
The prosecution's resolution concluded that even assuming lapses occurred, "any penalty, if imposed, should be corrective, rather than criminalizing genuine acts of public service." Given these comprehensive findings, prosecutors recommended dismissal of the complaint against both Baricuatro and Catalan.
