Citing omission of the past: Flooding could have been prevented - Pam

MANILA, Philippines —   Cebu Governor Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro fumed over what she described as a “preventable” disaster: Flooding that claimed lives and destroyed properties across Cebu, blaming the failure of previous provincial administrations to implement long-term and effective flood control and environmental protection measures.

“I am furious about the recent flash flood that claimed lives and destroyed properties. This tragedy did not have to happen. Our people deserve leadership that acts decisively to prevent these disasters and protect our communities,” said an irate Baricuatro.

While acknowledging that flood control funds are channeled directly through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Baricuatro said it was no excuse for the province’s former leaders to wash their hands of accountability.

“Yes, flood control funds go directly to DPWH, not the province—but that doesn’t mean it does not find its way to you,” she emphasized.

Although Baricuatro did not name names, the governor publicly laid out five key questions aimed at the previous administration: these are unresolved watershed issues, quarrying activities, and alleged irregularities in the issuance of permits.

“Why were crucial Central Cebu Protected Watershed issues not addressed when a conglomerate wanted to help build a dam? Why was there a quarrel with a neighboring official on watershed management instead of united action for our people?” Baricuatro raised the questions.

The governor further questioned the continuity of massive quarrying and development projects in sensitive areas, which she said contributed to soil instability and landslides. She also raised concerns over alleged cronyism in quarry permits issuances.

“Why were quarry permits issued to cronies or without transparent due process? Why was environmental protection given insufficient priority, risking lives and livelihoods?” she added.

In an interview Thursday (November 6), Baricuatro linked the flooding directly to the degradation of the central Cebu watershed, and substandard flood control systems.

“If you look at the map, the affected municipalities are right below the watershed area. Massive quarrying has made the soil unstable. Add to that, the substandard flood control projects — that’s why we’re experiencing this level of disaster,” she said.

The governor also called for a formal investigation into these substandard projects. “Sayop ang mga flood controls, naa’y substandard. So usa sab ‘na sa mga reasons, mao na nga kinahanglan sad g’yud og investigation,” she said.

Former governor Gwendolyn Garcia, however, swiftly defended her administration, clarifying that the ?26-billion flood control funds were not provincial but national in nature, implemented by the DPWH.

“That ?26 billion are not provincial funds. That’s national budget, and if national budget is allocated, it’s DPWH which in turn implements the projects. The Province of Cebu has no touch nor be included in the implementation,” Garcia said on One News’ The Big Story televised program.

Garcia added that, during her term, she insisted that DPWH secure first a Sanggunian Panlalawigan approval before implementing any project.

“During my time, I kept on insisting that before DPWH implements any program, they must secure a Sanggunian approval. That’s in accordance with the Local Government Code,” she said, as she expressed surprise at the reported P26 billion worth of projects.

Lawyer Jong Sepulveda, legal consultant of the former governor, also broke his silence, describing Baricuatro’s tirade as “half-truths, misconceptions, or even outright lies.”

In a statement, he said: “Now, under the present unfortunate circumstances, I feel compelled to speak to set things right and provide proper context.”

Sepulveda clarified that the Lusaran Dam proposal, cited by Baricuatro, is under the jurisdiction of the City of Cebu, not of the Province, and falls within the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL), governed by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), chaired by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“Even how almighty the title Provincial Governor may sound, the proposed Lusaran Dam is clearly outside her exclusive competence and jurisdiction,” Sepulveda stressed, citing Republic Acts 9486 and 11038.

He added that if there were disagreements among members of the PAMB, it was part of a normal collegial process. “If there were differing or conflicting opinions among members of the PAMB it is but natural for a collegial body. Ultimately, the majority rules,” he said.

On the issue of quarry permits, Sepulveda maintained that all issuances during Garcia’s term went through due process and that no provincial permits were granted within the CCPL.

He further reminded that environmental protection primarily falls under the DENR, through its Environment and Natural Resources offices and bureaus.

Sepulveda concluded by saying, “Ang gikinahanglan karon ayuda, dili intriga,” urging unity and action instead of political mudslinging as thousands of Cebuanos continue to recover from the devastation of Typhoon Tino.

CAPITOL RELEASES P150M FUND

The Cebu Provincial Government has allocated ?150 million from its Quick Response Fund (QRF) and Disaster Fund to sustain recovery and relief efforts.

Provincial Administrator Ace Durano said the fund will be used primarily to purchase rice and other necessities for distribution to affected LGUs. “Ang atong gisiguro karon pila ang disaster fund nga pwede magamit karon — so that’s ?150 million,” Durano confirmed.

He added that while the province still has existing stockpiles, replenishment is ongoing due to the large number of affected residents.

Governor Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro have also initiated in distributing ?2 million each to several municipalities and component cities heavily hit by Typhoon Tino: Balamban, Asturias, Toledo, Danao, Compostela, Liloan, Consolacion, Mandaue, Talisay, and Minglanilla.

Based on initial reports, Typhoon Tino affected at least 141,423 families or 499,360 individuals across the Visayas, leaving widespread damage to homes, public infrastructure, and agriculture. (CEBU NEWS)