The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) has given its approval for the utilization of P473.58 million from the Province's disaster risk reduction and management trust fund. This decision came after a thorough review that addressed compliance issues, timing concerns, and inconsistencies in the submitted documents.
Approval Amid Scrutiny
During deliberations held on Monday, April 13, 2026, the board sanctioned the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Investment Plan (LDRRMIP) as requested by Governor Pamela Baricuatro. However, the approval is limited to unused funds covering the years 2021 to 2024.
Reduction Due to Legal Constraints
A larger proposed amount of P542.3 million was reduced by P68.7 million after the board excluded funds from 2020. This exclusion was based on Republic Act 10121, which stipulates a five-year usage period, making the 2020 funds no longer allowable.
Celestino Martinez III, chair of the committee on budget and appropriations, emphasized that the reduction was necessary due to legal concerns. He stated, "Our lawyers said there is a small issue with the proposal. They pointed out that 2020 was included… when it could no longer be used," referring to the five-year rule.
Documentation and Timing Issues
Martinez highlighted several problems with the submitted documents, including possible duplication of items such as vehicles, rescue equipment, and logistics. He noted inconsistencies in different versions of the documents, which reflected varying totals and signatures. Some submissions still included 2020 funds despite earlier recommendations for their removal.
Additionally, Martinez raised concerns about the timing of the submissions, pointing out that they were made late in the year and overlapped with other pending budget matters. This overlap made it difficult for the board to prioritize the review process effectively.
Final Approval Despite Challenges
Despite these issues, the Provincial Board ultimately approved the revised and reduced funding amount for implementation. The decision underscores the board's commitment to ensuring proper compliance and accountability in the use of public funds for disaster risk reduction and management.
