Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has publicly criticized the Provincial Board (PB) for its decision to remove the budget allocation for the Cebu People’s Action Center (CPAC), a flagship program of her administration. The clash occurred after the PB approved a committee report on December 15, 2025, recommending the defunding of CPAC's proposed P14-million allocation in the 2026 provincial budget.
Governor's Defense of a 'Volunteer-Driven' Initiative
In a strongly-worded Facebook post on December 18, 2025, Governor Baricuatro defended CPAC, which she described as her "baby." She explained that the center was established through Executive Order No. 5, Series of 2025, issued on June 30, to create a centralized communication and response mechanism for the province.
Baricuatro emphasized that CPAC is a volunteer-driven initiative designed to improve service delivery to all Cebuanos, with a special focus on vulnerable sectors. "Our mission is simple: mobilize, coordinate, and deliver on the needs of every Cebuano, especially the most vulnerable," part of her statement read.
She highlighted the center's critical role during recent emergencies, including the 6.9-magnitude earthquake and Typhoon Tino, where CPAC coordinated rescue efforts, provided hot meals at evacuation centers, and reached remote barangays.
The Legal Basis for the Budget Cut
The decision to strip CPAC's funding stems from a report by the Committee on Budget and Appropriations. The committee cited several key reasons for its recommendation:
- CPAC functions mainly to augment manpower for other provincial offices.
- It has not been formally organized as a provincial office through an enabling ordinance from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
- The center operates without plantilla positions, relying on job order workers and volunteers.
- Funding its activities through the provincial budget could lead to potential audit disallowances.
Ex-officio Board Member Celestino Martinez supported the committee's stance, grounding it in the Local Government Code. Martinez stated that the Provincial Board lacks the authority to appropriate funds for an office not legally created by an ordinance. "The Sanggunian cannot act beyond its constitutional and statutory mandate," he asserted, warning that doing so would result in illegal expenditures.
CPAC's Function and the Road Ahead
In an interview, CPAC Executive Director Ruben Licera outlined the center's practical role. He stated that CPAC, as a program under the Office of the Governor, aims to ensure "no Cebuano is left behind" by complementing existing departments. Licera cited examples like burial assistance, which CPAC can process in less than a month compared to a potential three-month wait through regular channels.
Governor Baricuatro issued a stark warning about the consequences of the budget cut. "Cutting funds will slow our ability to serve. Let me be clear: service to the people is not optional. It is our mandate," she stated, arguing that without resources, reaching every barangay in need becomes a significant challenge.
The controversy sets the stage for further discussions as the second reading of the 2026 provincial budget is scheduled for December 22. The dispute underscores a classic tension in governance: the drive for agile, responsive service delivery versus the strict adherence to institutional and legal processes for creating and funding government units.
