Outgoing Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia filed an election protest against incoming Governor Pamela Baricuatro at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

Garcia announced this during her post-election meeting with town and city mayors of Cebu Province on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall.

For the first time, Garcia has discussed publicly the result of the gubernatorial race in the May 12, 2025 midterm polls.

Based on COMELEC’s official final count, Baricuatro garnered over one million votes, while over 700,000 cast their votes for Garcia.

Garcia pointed out that there were several individuals who expressed disbelief over the result.

Garcia alleged there is "growing proof" that votes intended for her were credited to her opponent, Baricuatro. She said that this is “technical and software-proven evidence.”

In line with this, she contested the results in over 4,100 clustered precincts in the Province of Cebu.

"I truly believed that the result of the gubernatorial election in Cebu did not reflect the honest will of the people," Garcia said. 

According to Baricuatro’s camp, they are ready to answer the allegation once they get a copy of the electoral protest.

“We are yet to receive a copy of the electoral protest. And as soon as we secure the document, we will provide relevant comments. It is surprising that such remedy is being availed by outgoing Gov. Gwen Garcia’s camp considering that Governor-elect Pam Baricuatro received overwhelming 1.1 million mandate from the Cebuanos," said Atty. Edmund Lao, head of Baricuatro’s transition team.

(via GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak Desk)