Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed on Wednesday, November 12, that 24 government officials left the country despite a travel ban imposed during the onslaught of Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan.
In a radio interview, Remulla said that despite a memorandum prohibiting officials from traveling abroad while the country was under a state of calamity, some still proceeded with their trips.
He added that those involved could face charges such as gross negligence, gross insubordination, and abandonment of post.
However, Remulla noted two exemptions — Isabela Governor Rodolfo Albano III, who traveled to Germany for an annual agri-fair, and Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda, who reportedly underwent a medical procedure.
Albano drew criticism online for his trip but defended it, saying: “Ang nangyari do’n, naka-set na yo’ng Agri fair dito sa Hanover, Germany… Pilipino pa ang nag-talk para… invite these companies here in Germany and all over sa Europe para pumunta sa Philippines para magbenta at mag-promote ng kanilang mga machineries here.”
Remulla has yet to disclose the names of the other officials reportedly involved.