The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is set to file complaints against local government officials who were out of the country during the onslaught of back-to-back typhoons Tino and Uwan earlier this month.
In an interview on Monday, DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla said at least 24 individuals will face complaints, among them Cebu officials who flew to Europe for a vacation when Tino hit the province.
He said complaints of abandonment of duty, gross neglect and insubordination will be filed against the officials before the Office of the Ombudsman.
“Halos kumpleto na. So, we will file the corresponding cases sa Ombudsman sa mga na-violate blatantly sa mga ginawa nila. Kung sino man kailangan parusahan, paparusahan (It’s almost complete. So, we will file the corresponding cases at the Ombudsman for the blatant violations they did. Whoever needs to be punished will be punished),” Remulla told reporters on the sidelines of the blessing of the Philippine National Police’s newly procured firearms, mobility and protection equipment at Camp Crame.
The DILG previously ordered all elected and appointed local officials to suspend their travels abroad as the twin cyclones barrelled down the nation.
Earlier, Remulla reminded local leaders that under the law, they are the chairpersons of their respective Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils, which means they should be physically present during all phases of disaster management — preparation, response and recovery.
Local government units (LGUs) are also mandated to assist affected communities, reactivate Local Price Coordinating Councils to prevent overpricing, and coordinate with regional and provincial DRRMCs and DILG regional offices for timely and unified action. (PNA)
