Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has apologized to members of the LGBTQIA+ community who felt offended by her recent Facebook post that used the term ‘yuts,’ a shortened form of the Cebuano word ‘bayot’ which means gay.
In her social media post that has since gone viral, Baricuatro wrote: ‘Kahilas nimo yuts! Who do you think you are??? Tatay Digong Forever!’
The statement quickly drew criticism on some of the netizens who found the remark derogatory and disrespectful.
The governor clarified that her post was not meant to insult or single out anyone from the LGBTQIA+ community.
‘It wasn’t an attack on the LGBT. I truly love the LGBT community. In fact, I’m surrounded by them,’ said Baricuatro.
Baricuatro explained that her message was a reaction to recent online discussions involving former President Rodrigo Duterte, whom she continues to admire and support.
‘The only thing I wanted was for Tatay Digong what he has done to our country to be remembered,’ she said.
She admitted that the term she used may have been misinterpreted, stressing that it was not directed toward the community as a whole.
‘I’m sorry if I offended anyone. That was never my intention. It was not meant to hurt you,’ Baricuatro said.
The controversy stemmed from an earlier online exchange involving lawyer Regal Oliva, who had discussed Duterte’s ongoing case before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in her ‘Regal’s POV’ online segment.
Oliva, a lawyer and advocate, had explained the legal implications of the ICC’s jurisdiction over Duterte, noting that the alleged crimes occurred while the Philippines was still a member of the court.
Her analysis, however, angered several Duterte supporters who accused her of disloyalty.
Baricuatro’s post, though it did not mention any names, was widely interpreted as being directed at Oliva, who later admitted she felt personally hurt by the remarks.
‘Even the governor of Cebu has joined the fray. Reducing me to name-calling – that is painful and derogatory,’ Oliva said.
She emphasized that the insult cut deeper because it came from someone outside her community.
‘But I won’t respond with anger. I won’t exchange insult for insult,’ she added.
Oliva also clarified that her commentary on Duterte’s ICC case was purely a legal interpretation and not a political statement.
She said her reference to Duterte as defiant was based on the ICC’s wording and not her personal opinion, explaining that she meant the term as ‘resilient.’
Despite the backlash, Oliva maintained her support for the former president.