Heavily bashed online, Oliva says sorry over 'Regal POV' episode

Local

AN ONLINE post that used the word “yuts” and asked, “Who do you think you are?” has drawn a response from former Mandaue City Treasurer Atty. Regal Oliva, who said the remark was hurtful and demeaning.

Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro posted on Facebook on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, the same day Oliva, who identifies as a transgender woman, uploaded her “Regal POV” episode explaining why the International Criminal Court (ICC) denied former President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for interim release.

Baricuatro’s post read, “Kahilas nimo yuts! Who do you think you are??? Tatay Digong Forever!”

The post quickly circulated online, with many netizens interpreting it as directed at Oliva and criticizing the use of “yuts,” a slang term sometimes used to label members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Baricuatro later commented under her own post that she did not mean to hurt members of the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) community.

“Ayaw mo kalain mga LGBTQ kay it’s a term of endearment naku sa mga friends. Daghan kong friends nga babay nga yuts. Nothing against you at [all],” she wrote.

Oliva addressed the issue in a Facebook live video on Monday, Oct. 20.

Without mentioning Baricuatro by name, she said the remark was painful and derogatory, adding that being reduced to name-calling was hurtful, especially when it came from someone outside her community.

She said she chose not to respond with anger, explaining that while the words had truly hurt her, she would not trade insult for insult.

In her “Regal POV” episode a day earlier, Oliva said,

“When a man once called Tatay Digong now stands before the International Criminal Court, it is no longer a matter of politics. It is a matter of law. And the law, kahit gaano kapakalakas noon, does not kneel before power.”

“If the appeals chamber affirms the ruling, Duterte remains detained under the authority of the international community, a community he once mocked as toothless. If reversed, he may walk out but not free, for the shadow of accountability will follow him still,” she added.

Her statement drew backlash from Duterte supporters, who accused her of turning her back on the former president despite previously receiving the Duterte family’s endorsement during her congressional campaign in Mandaue City.

Oliva later issued a public apology, clarifying that she never meant to insult anyone.

“To those I may have hurt, please know that I am deeply sorry. I did not mean to insult. I only meant to explain,” she sadid.

“When words are sharp, they cut deeper than intended. So I ask with all humility that you find it in your heart to forgive,” she added

Oliva denied allegations that she was paid or influenced to produce the video.

She clarified that no one had bought her opinions and stressed that her statements were her own.

She also reaffirmed her respect for the Duterte family, recalling how she was warmly welcomed by them in Davao and expressing that she would never betray their trust.

In a separate Facebook post, Oliva admitted that her earlier commentary might have been poorly written, saying she could have been tired or attempting to sound poetic at the time.

She explained that her intention was to encourage discussion, but the conversation quickly turned personal, filled with ad hominem attacks.

She noted that instead of disagreeing with her ideas, many chose to attack her character, which she said undermined meaningful dialogue.

Oliva emphasized that she has remained politically independent, pointing out that her role as city treasurer prevented her from joining any political party or engaging in partisan activities.

Despite the controversy, she urged the public to return to civil and intelligent discussion.

She said personal attacks only distort the search for truth and that the space for honest debate becomes polluted with hatred when reason gives way to emotion.(MyTVCebu)