All local government units (LGUs) have been told to stay on high alert as inclement weather brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon, Tropical Storm Dante (international name Francisco) and Tropical Depression Emong is expected to persist until early next week, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said on Wednesday.
In a statement, Remula assured the public that LGUs have already been reminded of their responsibilities, particularly in preemptive evacuation and risk communication in hazard-prone areas as the department closely monitors the situation on the western side of the country.
“Hanggang Lunes pa po masama ang panahon. May paparating pa tayong bagyo (The weather is forecast to stay bad until Monday. Another tropical cyclone is on its way),” said Remulla.
The DILG chief said the Office of Civil Defense, as the implementing arm of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, remains in close coordination with LGUs. He added that the Emergency 911 hotline is fully operational and ready to respond to urgent concerns from affected areas.
No intent to offend
Amid criticisms of his informal tone in social media announcements, Remulla clarified that his intent was never to downplay the risks or the hard work of emergency responders.
“Hindi ko po minamaliit ang pinaghihirapan ng mga frontliners natin. Ang ginagawa ko lang ay gawing mas magaan ang paraan ng pagpapaalala—hindi puro pangamba. Kung may hindi nakaintindi, humihingi ako ng pasensya. Pero wala po akong masamang intensyon (I am not belittling the hardwork of our frontliners. I am just trying to lighten up the reminders, and not just fear all the time. I would like to apologize to those who misunderstood my actionsm I have no ill intent),” Remulla said.
Remulla cited his messaging style when he was Cavite governor.
“Sa Cavite, naintindihan nila ako. Sana maintindihan din nila (netizens) ako. Wala naman akong intensyon na makasama ng loob (They understood me in Cavite. I hope netizens understand me too. I have no intention to offend anybody),” he said in a separate radio interview.
“If I have to apologize for hurting their sensibilities, then I do offer it. But, I will not change who I am and I will always try to be my best, lalo na as a point of information na kailangan natin ipaabot (especially when it comes to information that has to be communicated to the public),”
The DILG chief was given the authority to make announcements on the suspension of classes on behalf of the Cabinet and the Palace as of Monday, according to the Presidential Communications Office.
As NDRRMC Vice Chairperson for Disaster Preparedness, Remulla assured the public that announcements will be made at least a night before—consistent with his practice during his time as Cavite governor.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed support for the Secretary’s communication approach, saying it helps cut through noise and misinformation on social media.
“Criticize me, criticize him for the way we speak. But that’s the way he speaks. As long as he gets the message across. That’s what it’s for,” the President said. (PNA)
