P518 million disaster fund stalled: Exec hits PB delays

CEBU, Philippines — The assistance intended for communities affected by the twin calamities late last year may be further delayed, according to the Executive Department, as the proposed P518.2-million Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Trust Fund remains under review at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cebu Province.

The fund, endorsed by the Office of the Governor, has been referred to the Committee on Laws, drawing concern from the Executive Department, which described the development as another instance of “delaying tactics.”

Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces said the seemingly prolonged process has already stalled the release of critical aid and the implementation of key disaster response programs.

“On that note, ma-pending jud maayo ang trust fund kay karon isulod sa committee,” Empaces said.

The proposed trust fund is intended to fund financial assistance for victims of the earthquake and Typhoon Tino, as well as procurements such as mobile kitchens and sea ambulances.

Empaces emphasized that these interventions should have already been rolled out.

“Supposedly the government should have already responded to the earthquake and Tino since last year. But now, mana nalang ang first quarter, unya all this program nasangit pajud mi because of these delays,” he said.

He warned that continued inaction could worsen the situation of affected communities.

“You are not delaying the executive, you are delaying the services that is needed by the people,” Empaces added.

Timeline of delays

As Empaces recounted, records show that the trust fund underwent multiple stages before reaching the provincial board.

The DRRM Council initially approved the investment plan, which was subsequently endorsed by the Provincial Development Council (PDC), before being transmitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Under Republic Act 10121, unexpended disaster funds are placed in a trust fund to be utilized within five years.

Empaces explained that once approved by both the DRRM Council and the PDC, deliberation at the provincial board level should already be procedural.

“Based sa RA 10121, ig endorse sa SP mahug gud na siya nga mana ang PDC, mana ang DRRM Council nga ceremonial nalang jud na,” he said.

However, the proposal was not taken up immediately, despite being submitted as early as late 2025.

One of the main points raised by the provincial board involves the inclusion of the 2020 trust fund in the computation.

Board Member Celestino “Tining” Martinez III, chair of the Committee on Budget and Appropriations, said the matter has been referred to the Committee on Laws due to legal concerns.

“The resolution was presented and subsequently referred to the Committee on Laws after members raised concerns regarding the inclusion of the 2020 trust fund,” Martinez said.

Under existing rules, trust funds revert to the general fund after five years, making the 2020 allocation contentious.

Martinez noted that discussions are ongoing, and the measure may be included in the agenda next week.

To address the issue, the Executive Department revised the proposal by excluding the 2020 allocation and covering only the 2021 to 2025 period.

A new resolution dated March 31, 2026, reflects a total fund of P518,209,481.14.

The revised plan again went through the DRRM Council and the PDC before being re-endorsed to the provincial board.

Despite this, Empaces said new procedural concerns surfaced.

SOCO'S memo

Empaces disclosed that a memorandum by Vice Governor Glenn Soco, dated March 25, required all endorsements to bear the signature of the governor instead of the chief of staff, as previously practiced.

He said the Executive Department was not furnished with a copy of the memo, causing confusion and further delay.

“Ingon ko, ‘Asa ang memo? Wala mi kadawat,’” Empaces recounted.

He added that the documents, including the trust fund proposal, were eventually accepted after the oversight was clarified.

“Ang gihimo nalang nila yesterday is gidawat nalang nila tanan apil tong trust fund,” he said.

Empaces pointed out that the delays started as early as November last year, when the proposal was not tackled despite ample time.

“Walay laing rason ngano wala gi tackle. Pwede ang ilang iingon kay nabusy sila sa appropriation ordinance pero they can do it side by side. It’s not an excuse,” he said.

He stressed that the board had around six weeks to deliberate on the measure before the year ended.

The delay, he said, forced the Executive Department to redo the process and resubmit the proposal.

The continued deferment has raised concerns within the Capitol, especially as Cebu remains vulnerable to disasters.

Empaces warned that bureaucratic delays could result in missed opportunities to respond effectively.

“Kung di pa gani nila approbahan, madugay pajud mig hatag aning assistance. Naabtan nalang sunod nga linog, naabtan nalang laing krisis,” he said.

He added that such delays undermine the purpose of maintaining a disaster trust fund.

Empaces emphasized that the issue goes beyond procedural compliance and directly affects public welfare.

“Ang pangutana namo, ngano sige man mog delay?” he said.

He reiterated that disaster response should not be hampered by administrative bottlenecks.

As of now, the resolution remains pending at the committee level.

Martinez said there are still issues that need to be clarified before the proposal can move forward.

“Naa may issue gi-raise so dili pa siya ma-approve,” he said, without elaborating further. — /IHM (FREEMAN)