Gwendolyn Garcia, the outgoing governor of Cebu, Philippines, has formally filed an election protest challenging the results from over 4,100 clustered precincts following the midterm elections held on May 12, 2025. Garcia contends that the election outcome does not reflect the 'honest will of the people,' alleging that votes intended for her were counted for her opponent, Pamela Baricuatro, who was declared the winner with 1,107,924 votes compared to Garcia’s 765,051, resulting in a margin of 342,873 votes.

During a meeting on June 3, 2025, with mayors from 50 towns and cities at the Provincial Capitol in Cebu City, Garcia expressed her disbelief at the election results, stating that both local officials and constituents were in shock.

She claimed that technical and software evidence suggest discrepancies in vote counting, fueling her decision to file the election protest with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Garcia urged the Comelec to expedite the processing of her protest.

Election officials indicated that if the recount proceeds, it could cost Garcia's camp between approximately 82 to 103 million pesos, depending on the number of precincts involved.

Each precinct recount could range from 20,000 to 25,000 pesos.

Edmund Lao, a lawyer for Baricuatro's transition team, commented on the protest, expressing surprise given the significant vote difference.

He noted that their camp had yet to receive formal notification of the protest and planned to review it once they do.

Baricuatro, who is set to be the 25th governor of Cebu and the second woman elected to the position, recently made a courtesy visit to the Senate as a special guest of Senator Bong Go. During this visit, she received a warm welcome from Senate President Chiz Escudero and other senators.

According to Francisco Pobe, director of Comelec in Region 7, while Garcia’s protest is valid as it was reportedly submitted within the required 10-day period after the election, Baricuatro is expected to assume office on June 30, 2025. Pobe stated that Garcia's camp may also seek a temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court to prevent Baricuatro’s assumption of the governor's office until the protest is resolved.

The ballot boxes from the contested precincts will be transported to the Comelec Central Office for the recount.

Pobe noted that the hearing process could take time due to the complexity of the legal proceedings, with both parties likely to examine all relevant documents, witness testimonies, and evidence closely.

In her address during the Capitol meeting, Garcia emphasized that she does not hold the mayors accountable for the election results.

Present at the meeting were Vice Governor-elect Glenn Anthony Soco and various officials from local government and educational departments.

Garcia reflected on her previous terms as governor, expressing disappointment over perceived partisan attacks despite her efforts to focus on governance rather than political rivalries.