Twenty-four local government officials may face administrative charges for leaving the country despite a travel ban issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) during Typhoons Tino and Uwan.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the officials could be charged with gross negligence, gross insubordination, and abandonment of posts. “Kung may konsiyensya ka sa mga constituents mo, dapat nandito ka,” he told DZMM.
Under Republic Act No. 7160, local executives and council members are mandated to lead disaster aid and relief efforts in their jurisdictions. Republic Act No. 10121 further requires officials to organize and supervise disaster risk reduction offices during calamities. Violations can result in fines of P50,000 to P500,000, imprisonment for 6 to 12 years, and in grave cases, perpetual disqualification from public office.
Remulla declined to confirm whether the 24 includes seven Cebu mayors and a board member who were in the United Kingdom during Typhoon Tino’s impact.
Officials exempted from the travel ban include Isabela Governor Rodolfo “Rodito” Albano III, who attended an agricultural fair in Germany, and Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda, who is scheduled for a medical procedure in the United States. Remulla said both officials are expected to return and explain their absences.
He noted that Isabela had zero casualties during Super Typhoon Uwan and was well-prepared for the calamity. “Nasa kanya ngayon kung babalik siya sa kanyang lalawigan dahil lifted naman na ang mga ban namin…Hintayin natin bumalik para magpaliwanag,” he added.
