Cebu Board Member Defends DRRM Fund Review Amid Executive Criticism
Cebu, Philippines – A member of the Cebu Provincial Board has strongly defended the legislative review process for a proposed Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) trust fund, following criticism from an executive official over perceived delays. Provincial Board Member Celestino "Tining" Martinez III, who chairs the committee on budget and appropriations, emphasized that the review is a careful and necessary step, not inaction.
Legislative Review Process
In a Facebook statement on Thursday, April 9, 2026, Martinez clarified that the board received a revised resolution on March 30, with his office obtaining the updated DRRM trust fund proposal on March 31, just before the Holy Week break. He stressed that the delay in approval should not be misconstrued, as the legislative body is conducting a thorough review in accordance with established rules and procedures.
"Let me be clear: in the Sangguniang, we do not delay, we review. And we do so carefully, thoroughly, and in strict accordance with our rules and legislative procedures," Martinez stated.
Criticism of Executive Official
Martinez criticized Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces, suggesting he should understand the issue before making public statements. He noted that Empaces is new to working in the Capitol and for the Provincial Government, and highlighted that the proposal has undergone multiple revisions, complicating the approval process.
"That is something Mr. Empaces would do well to learn, considering this is his first time working in the Capitol and for the Provincial Government," he added.
Inquiry and Fund Details
Martinez announced that Empaces will be asked to appear during a session, along with the provincial budget officer, DRRM officer, and planning officials, to answer questions regarding the P518 million proposal. The inquiry aims to clarify issues surrounding the proposed expenditure, which reportedly underwent four revisions.
The proposed DRRM trust fund is intended to provide assistance to victims of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in September 2025 and Typhoon Tino in November, as well as fund the procurement of mobile kitchens, mobile clinics, and a sea ambulance.
Timeline of Delays
The proposed trust fund has faced significant delays since it was first endorsed by the executive department in November 2025. Key events include:
- November 2025: The Executive Department first endorsed a P518 million DRRM Trust Fund proposal to the Provincial Board.
- January 2026: Martinez flagged that the proposal included 2020 funds, which may have lapsed under Republic Act No. 10121, preventing its approval.
- January 2026: Governor Pamela Baricuatro defended the validity of the funds, but the Executive Department agreed to revise the proposal by removing the 2020 allocation.
- February 9, 2026: Martinez returned the revised proposal—now reduced to P473.58 million—citing discrepancies in amounts and issues in supporting documents.
- March 25, 2026: Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco issued a memorandum requiring all submissions to the PB to bear the governor's signature.
- March 30, 2026: The Executive Department submitted another revised proposal reflecting the adjusted amount.
- March 31, 2026: The PB received the revised DRRM Trust Fund proposal just before the Holy Week break.
After the latest revision, Empaces raised concerns about delays in the fund's utilization. The executive department submitted another revised proposal on March 30, which the Provincial Board received the next day and is now pending deliberation.
