Cebu Provincial Board Member Celestino "Tining" Martinez III has publicly clarified his position regarding proposed acquisitions of two sea ambulances valued at P25 million each, following various online discussions and reactions that emerged after Governor Pamela Baricuatro's recent comments.
Budget Oversight Responsibility
Martinez emphasized that his questions during budget deliberations were not intended to cast doubt on the project or express lack of confidence in the administration. Instead, he explained that his inquiries were part of his official responsibility as chairperson of the Provincial Board's Committee on Budget and Appropriations.
"I had no intention of casting doubt on the acquisition or planned purchase of the two sea ambulances," Martinez stated. "My questions were not meant to convey cynicism toward your administration or to undermine your leadership in any manner."
Documentation Requirements for P524M Fund
The board member highlighted that since the proposed purchase is part of the governor's request to utilize P524 million from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) trust fund, it is his duty to request necessary documentation before endorsing the budget to the Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP) for approval.
Martinez also questioned the use of the term "prototype" in describing the sea ambulances, noting that this technology is not new to the province. "By definition, a prototype is the first or preliminary model. This is not the first sea ambulance ever made. There are numerous existing designs already in use," he explained.
Historical Context and SP Mandate
Providing historical context, Martinez revealed that during the administration of former Governor Hilario Davide III, the province had also planned to purchase sea ambulances at a lower price point. This comparison underscores the need for careful budget consideration and transparency in current procurement processes.
Martinez stressed that the Provincial Board should not be viewed as an obstacle to Capitol projects. He clarified that the SP's mandate involves reviewing proposals and providing valuable recommendations aligned with good governance and transparency standards.
In response to the terminology debate, Governor Baricuatro defended her use of "prototype" to describe the sea ambulances, explaining that this refers to ongoing evacuation preparations while awaiting approval from the Office of the President to proceed with formal procurement.
The clarification comes amid heightened public interest in provincial spending, particularly concerning disaster management equipment that could significantly enhance emergency response capabilities across Cebu's coastal communities.
