Osmeña, Tumulak clash over emergency call data

An exchange over emergency call data erupted at the Cebu City Council on Tuesday as Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña challenged Councilor David Tumulak's claim of 400 monthly emergency calls before the body voted 7-2 to approve a P14.88-million budget for the city's ambulance service.

- Josh Kent O. Panaguinit and Michaela G. Tabar, CNU Interns/MRM

During the council’s regular session, Tumulak defended the proposed Cebu City Emergency Medical Service, saying it bridges a critical gap in medical transport and pre-hospital care, particularly for residents who cannot afford private vehicles.

"This is a very vital component of our disaster preparedness," Tumulak said.

Osmeña, though, was unconvinced. He fired back with quick math — 400 calls a month adds up to 4,800 incidents a year — and drew from his long tenure as former mayor to question the validity of the figures.

"You think there's a civil war going on or something?" Osmeña asked the body.