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Advocates Philippines
Comelec Dismisses Baricuatro Disqualification Case
Photo credit: Pam Baricuatro - The People's Governor
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has dismissed the disqualification petition filed against Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro over an alleged Fair Election Act violation during the May 2025 elections.
The case was brought by Katrina Kaye Kowalik, former head of the Capitol’s social media arm, Sugbo News. Kowalik accused Baricuatro of violating Section 5 in relation to Section 3 of Republic Act 9006, as well as Comelec Resolutions 11086 and 11117, citing a social media post claiming Baricuatro was leading the gubernatorial race with 82 percent.
However, the Comelec First Division dismissed the petition on procedural grounds, noting that the “petitioner failed to submit proof of service of the petition with complete annexes to the respondent, or an affidavit of service.”
“In view of the foregoing, the Commission (First Division) hereby RESOLVES to DISMISS the instant petition,” the decision read.
With this dismissal, Governor Baricuatro remains in office without legal obstacles, while her camp maintains the petition was politically motivated and legally flawed.
The case was brought by Katrina Kaye Kowalik, former head of the Capitol’s social media arm, Sugbo News. Kowalik accused Baricuatro of violating Section 5 in relation to Section 3 of Republic Act 9006, as well as Comelec Resolutions 11086 and 11117, citing a social media post claiming Baricuatro was leading the gubernatorial race with 82 percent.
However, the Comelec First Division dismissed the petition on procedural grounds, noting that the “petitioner failed to submit proof of service of the petition with complete annexes to the respondent, or an affidavit of service.”
“In view of the foregoing, the Commission (First Division) hereby RESOLVES to DISMISS the instant petition,” the decision read.
With this dismissal, Governor Baricuatro remains in office without legal obstacles, while her camp maintains the petition was politically motivated and legally flawed.
Nov 19, 2025
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