Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro’s Simply Share Foundation Inc. (SSFI) has been cleared after prosecutors found insufficient evidence to support allegations of illegal solicitation.
In a nine-page resolution dated July 24, 2025, the Office of the Cebu City Prosecutor ruled that the complaint failed to establish a prima facie case that could lead to conviction.
The case included Baricuatro and her daughter, Elisse Nicole Catalan, both of whom have consistently denied wrongdoing.
The complaint was filed by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Central Visayas Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero, alleging that the foundation engaged in illegal fundraising.
Prosecutors, however, found no indication that SSFI deceived donors or mishandled contributions.
“In this case, however, there is no evidence that SSFI ever defrauded any donor, misappropriated any funds, or used contributions for personal gain,” the resolution read.
Records showed that donations, including those from the Miss Universe Foundation, were properly documented.
Transactions temporarily coursed through Baricuatro’s personal account during Typhoon Odette were later transferred to SSFI and fully accounted for.
Baricuatro explained that the foundation lacked digital payment channels at the time, requiring the use of personal accounts to facilitate urgent aid.
“All transactions were documented because we had to report back,” she said, emphasizing transparency.
Prosecutors also cited lapses in procedure on DSWD’s part, noting that the agency failed to observe its own “three-notice rule,” which ensures due process before filing complaints.
The resolution said this procedural lapse could be interpreted as an abuse of authority.
The ruling highlighted an apparent contradiction: the same agency that filed the complaint had previously recognized and supported SSFI’s operations, granting the foundation authority to operate until 2028 and issuing formal recognition as recently as March 2025.
“Instead, the agency commended the Foundation, supported its operations, and even granted it a license to operate until 2028,” the resolution stated.
Baricuatro maintained that the complaint was “baseless,” while downplaying tensions with Lucero, saying both parties ultimately share the goal of serving communities. Catalan added that the swift dismissal reflects the case’s lack of merit.
“I think wa man sad gud mi…we don’t have anything nga pwede nila ma-discredit ba. We’ve been very compliant, naa man jud nay DSWD registration,” she said.
The controversy surfaced after Byron Garcia raised concerns online about the foundation’s past fundraising activities, which led to verification and the filing of the complaint. Despite this, SSFI continues its operations, focusing on food banking to reduce hunger and minimize food waste.
During a recent visit to its warehouse in Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City, Baricuatro highlighted the foundation’s role in redistributing surplus food to vulnerable communities.
Founded in 2015, the organization expanded into food banking in 2023, evolving from earlier feeding programs to address broader issues of malnutrition and environmental sustainability. (SBA)
