Malacañang said it would first study the cases of local officials who left the country despite the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) directive suspending foreign travel during recent calamities.
Under DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2025-110, all official and unofficial foreign trips of appointed and elected local officials were suspended from November 9 to 15 to ensure continuous relief efforts for victims of Typhoon Tino and preparations for Super Typhoon Uwan.
In a Palace press briefing Monday, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro clarified that the Palace would not immediately assume wrongdoing.
“Unang-una po ay kailangan muna itong ma-assess, ano ba talaga ang kanilang pakay papunta sa ibang bansa, at kung ito po ba talaga ay nakaapekto sa mabilisang pag-aksyon para sa mga kababayan natin na nakaranas ng hagupit ng bagyo,” said Castro.
“Hindi po natin agad-agad itong masasabi na sila ay may sala na, kailangan po pag-aralan muna,” she added.
She also said DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla will review the cases and allow the concerned officials to explain.
Meanwhile, Isabela Governor Rodolfo Albano III drew public criticism following reports that he flew to Germany before Super Typhoon Uwan hit his province.
Online backlash also erupted earlier over a photo showing the travel authority of several Cebu mayors days before Typhoon Tino battered the Visayas.