Bet thanks Durano clan for backing gubernatorial bid

Local

GUBERNATORIAL aspirant Pamela "Pam" Baricuatro expressed her gratitude for the Durano clan and Bakud Party’s endorsement as she prepares to challenge incumbent Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in the 2025 race.

"I am humbled by the endorsement of the Durano family and Bakud Party," Baricuatro told MyTV Cebu in a text message on Monday, October 14, 2024.

"I will continue my work to serve the province and the country the best way I can," she added.

The Durano political clan, led by Danao City Vice Mayor Ramon "Nito" Durano III, publicly backed Baricuatro during a press conference on Friday, October 11, at their family compound.

The Durano family, the only sitting political force in Cebu not aligned with Garcia's One Cebu party, seeks to bring "change" to the Cebu Provincial Government.

"Yes, para sa kausaban (for change), I will support Pam Baricuatro," Durano said,

Baricuatro, a Cebuana philanthropist and staunch supporter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, is running under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), which is the former ruling party during the Duterte administration.

She formally filed her certificate of candidacy on October 8, just hours after Garcia submitted hers. Baricuatro is best known for founding the SimplyShare Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to charitable work in Cebu, and for her involvement in socio-political movements like the Save Cebu Movement.

Her entry into the race followed the passing of activist Rowena Burden, who had originally intended to challenge Garcia but died in December 2023.

Baricuatro has since taken up the challenge.

Additionally, with the endorsement from the Durano family, Baricuatro said she will pay a courtesy visit to the Duranos this week to discuss future political collaborations with the clan.

Meanwhile, the Durano endorsement extends beyond the gubernatorial race.

Nito Durano also announced Bakud Party’s full slate for the 2025 elections, with his son, Mix Durano, challenging Congressman Duke Frasco for the Fifth District Representative seat.

The political rivalry continues as the family faces internal opposition from Migs Magpale, a relative running for Danao City mayor.(MyTVCebu)