Pam hits back amid sea ambulance controversy

The post used the hashtag #KapTiningMartinez, which prompted a response from Board Member Celestino “Tining” Martinez III, clarifying his earlier remarks during budget deliberations.

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Martinez, who also chairs the Budget and Appropriations Committee, said he had no intention of questioning the governor’s leadership or the sea ambulance proposal itself.

"My questions were not meant to convey cynicism toward your administration or to undermine your leadership in any manner," said Martinez.

He explained that his inquiries were part of his legal mandate to require sufficient documentation for the P50-million allocation under the P524-million disaster fund proposal.

Martinez emphasized that any procurement, prototype or not, must undergo proper appropriation, approval, and bidding.

He stressed that the role of the legislative body is not obstruction but oversight, contributing insights aligned with the administration’s transparency goals.

The board member then noted inconsistencies between the Capitol’s earlier online posts, which used the term “acquired,” and later clarifications that the unit remained unpurchased.