Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro is now confronting a formal administrative complaint filed against her at the Office of the Ombudsman and the Office of the President. The complaint, submitted on Monday, December 1, 2025, accuses her of making misleading statements regarding the province's proposed sea ambulance project.
Complaint Lodged by Former Governor's Brother
The case was initiated by Byron Garcia, the brother of former Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia. He alleges that Governor Baricuatro engaged in dishonesty and misconduct, potentially violating Republic Act 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
The core of Garcia's grievance stems from an online post made by the governor on October 7. He contends the post led constituents to believe the emergency rescue vessel was already owned and acquired by the provincial government. This assertion was later contradicted during a Provincial Board session on October 26, where officials revealed the showcased sea ambulance was merely a temporary test model borrowed from a supplier. Baricuatro subsequently admitted the province did not own the vessel.
Garcia has called on the Ombudsman to investigate and impose penalties, which for RA 6713 violations can range from a fine to suspension or even removal from office.
Defending the Project Against "Overpriced" Claims
Amid the legal challenge, the sea ambulance initiative has also faced public criticism over its perceived cost, with some labeling it as "overpriced." Ruben Licera, head of the Cebu People’s Action Center (CPAC), came to the project's defense on Sunday, November 30.
Licera argued that critics are making inaccurate comparisons by equating the specialized rescue vessel with standard, gasoline-powered pumpboats. He emphasized the critical need for a high-specification craft to handle the dozens of urgent medical transport requests CPAC receives daily from island and coastal communities.
"Behind every emergency message is a Cebuano family praying for help," Licera stated, highlighting the vessel's vital purpose.
Justifying the Specifications and Cost
To address cost concerns, Licera detailed the vessel's required high-grade features:
- Engines: It requires commercial-grade diesel outboard engines, with a twin-engine package alone costing approximately P9 million before installation.
- Hull: Constructed from epoxy composite materials, making it significantly stronger and more impact-resistant than basic fiberglass. This allows it to operate in rough sea conditions up to Sea State 4 (waves up to 2.5 meters).
- Purpose: Licera echoed retired Col. Dennis Pastor's sentiment that "a rescue vessel must go when others cannot," stressing the need for equipment built for dangerous scenarios.
Clarification on Procurement Status
Licera firmly reiterated that the unit launched by the province is only a "test vessel" and not a purchased asset. He cited lawyer Harold Sebastian Fleurs, who clarified that no public funds were expended because there has been no official procurement, bidding, or purchase process.
He maintained that government programs can be launched using loaned assets with proper documentation, and the presence of the provincial seal signifies accountability, not ownership. "As long as Cebu has legal possession, launching is lawful," Licera said, noting that the sea ambulance platform is already proven in use by several national agencies.
