The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will reassess policies on government-funded travel for local officials, including Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) members, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Wednesday.
The move follows backlash over the Thailand “capacity development” and “international benchmarking” activities of SK Manila members, which were funded by SK funds. Posts of participants flaunting their trip drew criticism from netizens, who called it a junket.
“Maybe it’s time to review the policy to ensure that all travel, if government-funded, is legitimate and serves a specific purpose,” Remulla said.
He added that the DILG will issue a memorandum circular to clarify the rules on the use of public funds for travel, including the source of funds and the required clearances.
Drawing from his time as Cavite governor, Remulla said he never allowed overseas training programs. “Training and capacity-building abroad, I don’t think that’s necessary,” he said.
He also criticized the manner in which SK members showcased their trip online. “What surprised me most was the way they openly flaunted their good time, posting about it repeatedly. It’s part of a larger culture of trying to impress others, and that’s ultimately what led to all of this,” he added.
