Former Governor Clarifies Responsibility for Massive Flood Control Budget
Former Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia has issued a clear statement regarding the P26-billion flood control projects in Cebu, emphasizing that these were entirely funded and implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) using the national budget, not provincial resources.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, November 6, 2025, Garcia shared her interview from One News where she explained that the substantial amount mentioned by officials was part of the national allocation to DPWH, which then distributed the projects across various districts in the province.
"First of all, let me just clarify what you said — you speak of P26 billion for Cebu Province, but that P26 billion are not provincial funds," Garcia stated. "That's a national budget, and the national budget is allocated to the DPWH which distributes these so-called flood control projects, many of which are insertions to the budget."
Legal Requirements for National-Local Coordination
The former governor expressed surprise at the scale of the budget and confirmed that Capitol had no participation in implementing these projects. She highlighted specific provisions of the Local Government Code that mandate national government agencies to coordinate with local government units before project implementation.
"During my time, I kept on insisting to the DPWH: before you implement the program, secure Sanggunian approval," Garcia recalled. "Sections 27 and 28 of the Local Government Code are very clear — all national government projects must first be consulted with and approved by the local government."
Garcia noted that during her administration, the Provincial Board passed an ordinance requiring national agencies to consult, plan, and seek approval from the Provincial Government before implementing projects. She mentioned that former DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos even visited Cebu to discuss this policy after its passage.
Current Governor Demands Accountability for Environmental Issues
The clarification comes after massive flooding struck parts of Cebu following Typhoon Tino, triggering public outrage and demands for accountability. In a separate Facebook post on Friday, November 7, current Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro expressed anger over the flooding that claimed lives and destroyed properties.
"Yes, flood control funds go directly to DPWH, not the Province — but that doesn't mean it does not find its way to you," Baricuatro said, directly addressing Garcia.
Baricuatro then publicly posed several challenging questions to the former governor, raising critical issues about:
- Watershed management in Central Cebu Protected areas
- Massive quarrying and development activities
- Alleged lack of environmental oversight during Garcia's administration
- Quarry permits issued "to cronies or without transparent due process"
"Why were crucial Central Cebu Protected Watershed issues not addressed during the previous administration when a conglomerate wanted to help build a dam?" Baricuatro questioned. "These are the questions that you need to answer, madam."
Garcia also pointed out that Cebu City's drainage projects fall under DPWH jurisdiction, noting that many remain unfinished, contributing to worsened flooding during recent torrential rains.
