Statement of Malacañang on Remarks of Cebu Gov. Pam Baricuatro over the Massive Flooding in Cebu
Malacañang spoke on Governor Pam Baricuatro after the massive flooding in Cebu that was triggered by Typhoon Tino.
Typhoon Tino brought massive rains and strong winds in Cebu. Undeniably, the whole Philippines was shocked by the devastation that the province incurred from the recent typhoon that hit some parts of the country including the Visayas region.
The heavy rains triggered massive flooding in Cebu. The floodwater level reached the roof of the single-storey homes in some cities in the province. Many residents climbed their rooftops to evade the floodwater as they waited to be rescued. The deep flooding made it extra challenging for the rescuers to get to the flood victims fast.
Typhoon Tino’s death toll has reached over 100 amid the ongoing search and rescue operations. Following the massive flash flood, Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro claimed that P26 billion flood control funds was allotted for the province but they were greatly flooded, still. According to her, the flash flood sparks question on why it happened despite the huge budget for the projects that will supposedly prevent the flooding.
Baricuatro claimed that they already inspected the flood mitigation projects and sent a report to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure or ICI. According to the Cebu Governor, the recent flooding is one of the worst flash flood in the history of the province.
Following the remarks of Cebu Gov. Pam Baricuatro, Malacañang responded to her statement. Based on a post of News5 on social media, Palace press officer undersecretary Claire Castro encouraged the Governor of Cebu to share if she has an information over the flood control projects in the province. According to her, it is the reason why Pres. Bongbong Marcos opened an investigation on the flood control projects.
According to the Malacañang press Official, if Cebu Gov. Pam Baricuatro is mad over the massive flooding in the province despite the huge budget for the flood control, Pres. Bongbong Marcos allegedly feels the same. The province was allegedly given P26 billion for the flood control projects.
“Kung siya man po ay nagagalit, ‘yan din po ang nararamdaman ni Pres. Marcos Jr.,” the Malacañang official said.
Based on the post, Atty. Claire Castro also asked Cebu Gov. Pam Baricuatro to help the administration in finding for the ones responsible over the anomalous flood control projects. The Cebu Governor previously claimed that the flood control projects in the province since 2019 were allegedly either ghost or substandard.
“Pagtulung-tulungan po nating mahanap ang dapat na mapanagot sa mga maanomalyang flood control projects,” the Malacañang press official said.
Amid the unfortunate situation in Cebu and a series of calamities affecting the different areas in the Philippines, Pres. Bongbong Marcos issued an order with regards to the Christmas and year-end celebrations of the government agencies.