Governor Pam Baricuatro Upholds Rule of Law Amid Mayor Rajiv Enad Suspension

Governor Pam Baricuatro categorically denies claims circulating from opposition quarters alleging that she abandoned or failed to assist Minglanilla Mayor Rajiv Enad following his suspension, stressing that such narratives are misleading and disregard the boundaries of law, due process, and good governance.

The suspension of Mayor Enad is an administrative action carried out by the Office of the Ombudsman, an independent constitutional body, and is governed by existing laws and established procedures. Mayor Enad, along with other Minglanilla officials from the previous term, was suspended for one year effective February 2 after being found guilty of oppression and grave abuse of authority in connection with the alleged obstruction of business permits and safety plans that had already been approved by national experts.

Governor Baricuatro emphasized that she had no involvement whatsoever in the suspension and no motive to instigate such action, noting that Mayor Enad is one of Cebu’s top-performing local chief executives.

“I have nothing to do with the suspension of Mayor Rajiv of Minglanilla,” Baricuatro said. “Such actions would only disrupt governance.”

As Governor of Cebu, Baricuatro is duty-bound to respect the rule of law and the independence of legal and administrative processes. Intervening or exerting influence in an ongoing disciplinary case would be improper and would undermine the principles of accountability and fairness expected of public officials.

“Leadership is not about political convenience or selective intervention,” Baricuatro emphasized. “It is about upholding the law, even when it is difficult, and ensuring that due process is respected by all regardless of position or affiliation.”

The Governor explained that the allegations being circulated online appear to be part of a broader political tactic aimed at sowing division among mayors and destabilizing local governance in the province. She urged the public and local officials not to be swayed by what she described as “unfounded whispers” and misinformation spreading on social media.

Governor Baricuatro reiterated that her administration remains focused on its constitutional mandate: ensuring stability in local governance, continuity of public services, and strict adherence to legal frameworks. Portraying respect for due process as abandonment, she said, is a deliberate distortion meant to politicize a legal matter.

She also called on local chief executives to remain united and not allow rumors to derail governance efforts.

“The success of the mayors is the success of Cebu,” Baricuatro said, expressing her commitment to continued cooperation between the Provincial Government and local governments across the province.