Cebu Province Clarifies Status of Controversial Sea Ambulance
Cebu provincial officials have made a surprising clarification about the sea ambulance currently being used by the Province, revealing that the vessel has not been purchased despite earlier social media posts presenting it as an acquisition.
The revelation emerged during budget deliberations for the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. The session was streamed live on the Province's Public Information Office (PIO) Facebook page, bringing transparency to the ongoing discussion.
Budget Deliberations Uncover the Truth
During the session, Board Member Celestino "Tining" Martinez III questioned PDRRMO head Dennis Pastor about the P25 million allocation intended for renting sea ambulances. Martinez pointed to social media evidence that seemed to contradict the official position.
An October 7 post by the PIO had shown Governor Pamela Baricuatro with a sea ambulance bearing the Province's logo, described as Capitol's "First-ever Sea Ambulance." Another post on November 12 from Baricuatro's own page showcased the same vessel delivering medicines to Camotes Island during what was described as part of the vessel's sea trial.
"Why is there a sea ambulance bearing the 'Province of Cebu' logo already being used if procurement has not been completed?" Martinez asked in a mix of Cebuano and English during the session.
The "Borrowed" Explanation
Pastor and Provincial Budget Officer Danilo Rodas provided a detailed explanation, clarifying that the sea ambulance remains unprocured and was only borrowed pending the required procurement process.
Rodas emphasized that no contract exists between the Provincial Government and any supplier. He described the arrangement as similar to test-driving a vehicle before purchase, calling it part of a "market survey or product testing process."
According to Rodas, the supplier placed the "Province of Cebu" logo on the unit as part of its marketing presentation rather than as confirmation of ownership. The sea ambulance currently being tested is part of Dynacast's proposal, the same supplier that previously delivered generators to Malapascua Island in Daanbantayan.
Pastor informed the Provincial Board that the vessel was used to deliver medicines to Camotes Island as part of its 50-hour sea trial. The sea ambulance traveled from Mactan Wharf to Poro in approximately one hour and five minutes at a speed of 20 knots.
Liability Concerns Raised
The arrangement raised important questions about liability during the session. PB Member Antonio Bacaltos Jr. questioned who would be responsible should an accident occur involving the borrowed vessel, especially since it carries the Province's insignia.
Mandaue City Lone District Board Member Nilo Seno, who is a lawyer, provided legal clarity on the matter. "Just because it bears the insignia of Cebu Province does not automatically make the Province liable. The liable party is the operator," Seno stated, noting that since no contract exists and the Province neither owns nor officially rents the unit, liability would fall on the registered owner.
The supplier has proposed two units, with each estimated to cost P25 million. The clarification from provincial officials comes amid ongoing budget discussions and highlights the importance of proper procurement procedures in government transactions.
