Cebu PB approves use of P473-B disaster funds

Local

THE provincial board moved to unlock hundreds of millions in disaster recovery funds while a board member rejected claims that legislative delays slowed down Cebu’s post-disaster response.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the utilization of P473.58 million in disaster funds during its regular session on April 13, 2026, based on Committee Report No. 139, Series of 2026, endorsed by the Committee on Laws chaired by Board Member Nelson Mondigo.

The measure supported Governor Pamela Baricuatro’s request to implement the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Investment Plan (LDRRMIP), covering unexpended funds from 2021 to 2024.

The original proposal stood at P542.3 million but was reduced after the exclusion of the 2020 allocation, which legal review flagged as already beyond the allowable utilization period under Republic Act 10121.

“The exclusion of FY 2020 funds in the revised submission indicates recognition of the statutory limitation,” the committee report stated.

The approved amount was finalized at P473,582,709.15, with the board confirming compliance with required processes, including endorsements from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Provincial Development Council.

Under Republic Act 10121, unused disaster funds must be utilized within five years, after which remaining balances revert to the general fund.

Despite approval, the board attached conditions requiring certification of fund availability from the Provincial Treasurer or Accountant, strict adherence to Commission on Audit rules, limitation of spending to disaster-related programs, and the establishment of monitoring and reporting mechanisms to the provincial board.

Board Member Celestino “Tining” Martinez III rejected accusations that the provincial board engaged in delaying tactics.

“Sa DRRM, while this was going on already kay para madali among giuna og hearing ang DRRM trust fund,” Martinez said.

He said concerns over the inclusion of 2020 funds prompted early action from the board as early as December 2025.

Martinez said legal advisers flagged an issue in the proposal, pointing out the inclusion of 2020 funds in the DRRM trust fund, which he said should not have been included.

He rejected claims that the provincial board caused delays, stressing that the timeline resulted from required procedures and necessary corrections.

He also criticized what he described as a perception that the process was purely procedural, saying such a view downplayed the work of the provincial board.

Martinez further said it was improper to accuse him of delaying a measure he himself sponsored, calling the allegation “awkward.”

He also raised the status of a separate P518-million DRRM Trust Fund proposal, noting that it remains pending at the committee level even after the approval of the P473-million allocation.

The earlier P518.2-million proposal stayed under review by the Committee on Laws after referral by the provincial board, a move the executive department said contributed to delays in disaster-response programs and procurement of equipment such as mobile kitchens and sea ambulances.

Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces earlier said the delay disrupted the timely rollout of post-disaster interventions, saying government response should have been implemented earlier following last year’s earthquake and Typhoon Tino.(MyTVCebu)