Cebu Councilor Demands Full Accounting of P153M Typhoon Tino Disaster Funds
Cebu City Councilor Pastor "Jun" Alcover Jr. has issued a strong demand for a comprehensive accounting of the P153 million calamity funds and various donations utilized in the response to Typhoon Tino. He plans to present a resolution to the City Council on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, aiming to compel the City Government to release detailed disbursement and liquidation reports.
Typhoon Aftermath and Fund Allocation
Typhoon Tino struck Cebu on November 4, 2025, unleashing torrential rains, flash floods, and landslides that displaced thousands of residents. The disaster resulted in 33 fatalities in Cebu City, part of a provincial total of 96 deaths. In the wake of this devastation, the City Council declared a state of calamity based on recommendations from the local disaster council.
This declaration enabled the City to access P153 million from its Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund. The allocation was divided into P120 million designated for quick response efforts and P33 million earmarked for relief and recovery assistance. Additionally, numerous private entities and other local governments contributed aid to the city, though updates on these funds have been lacking since last year.
Alcover's Call for Transparency
Councilor Alcover asserts that the public has a right to know precisely how their money and the received donations were expended. Citing the council's oversight powers under the Local Government Code, he is pushing for a detailed breakdown that includes specific programs, procurement documents, and lists of relief beneficiaries.
"Transparency and accountability are paramount in maintaining public trust, particularly in times of disaster when public resources and donations are mobilized for humanitarian purposes," states a portion of Alcover's draft resolution.
In response, City Treasurer Emma Villarete indicated that the City Treasurer's Office is prepared with disaster response reports. She noted that only a small portion of the fund was actually used, though she did not provide an exact figure during an interview with SunStar Cebu on Friday, February 27.
What's at Stake and Unanswered Questions
When disasters occur, significant amounts of public and private funds are mobilized, making it crucial for local governments to maintain financial openness. Without clear records of specific programs, procurement processes, and verified beneficiary lists, residents cannot be assured that aid reached those most in need. Such accounting safeguards public money from misuse and ensures future donors trust the city's handling of relief efforts.
Key unknowns include:
- The exact amount of the P153 million allocation that was actually spent.
- A public inventory of cash and in-kind donations received by the City.
- Comprehensive lists detailing donor names, amounts given, storage locations, or recipient barangays.
- Supporting procurement documents, such as contracts and purchase orders, which have yet to be disclosed and verified by the City Accountant and the Commission on Audit.
Next Steps
Alcover will present his resolution to the City Council on March 3. If approved, official requests for full accounting and liquidation reports will be directed to the Office of the Mayor, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the City Treasurer, the City Accountant, and the Commission on Audit in Cebu City.
