Malacañang on Tuesday reminded local officials that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expects them to be on the ground, not on vacation, during calamities — amid reports that several mayors and governors flew abroad during the onslaught of Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan.
“Hindi po niya gusto na ang mga liderato ay chill-chill lang,” said Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro, referring to remarks by Isabela Gov. Rodolfo Albano III.
“Dapat ang trabaho ay para sa taumbayan kasi ang taumbayan umaasa sa gobyerno lalo na sa ganitong klaseng sitwasyon,” she added.
Castro emphasized that Marcos wanted accountability and visible leadership during disasters. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will assess if officials who left their posts should face investigation.
The DILG had earlier ordered local executives to stay in their areas and personally lead disaster response, but reports showed some still proceeded with their overseas trips despite the warning.