DILG suspends foreign trips of local officials

DILG suspends foreign trips of local officials | Daily Tribune

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday ordered the immediate cancellation and suspension of all foreign travel for local officials to ensure their presence in areas affected by super typhoon “Uwan” and other ongoing disasters.

The directive from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) covers all elected and appointed local officials, including governors, mayors and barangay captains, from 9 to 15 November. The move aims to maintain continuity in disaster response, recovery, and relief operations across affected regions.

Remulla disclosed in a television interview that the DILG has already canceled approximately 40 travel leaves.

“Those who are applying or about to leave, their travel leaves are canceled,” Remulla said, noting he personally intervened with officials like Mayor Jeannie Sandoval and others in Cebu, asking them to remain in the country.

The DILG chief explained that the department issued a sweeping memorandum prohibiting all local officials under the DILG’s jurisdiction from leaving the country while disaster operations are ongoing.

He also stressed that local officials are required under the Local Government Code of 1991 and the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act to be physically present during all phases of disaster management as chairs of their respective Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils.

Meanwhile, Remulla confirmed the department is investigating Isabela Governor Rodolfo Albano III, who attended an agricultural fair in Germany despite the nationwide travel suspension.

“I spoke with him on Saturday morning. So I think he left 6 or 5 days ago,” Remulla said. “I told him to go home. He said he is gonna get the first available flight home.” Remulla credited the preparedness of the Isabela officials currently on the ground, noting his contact with the vice governor during the Office of Civil Defense meetings.

Remulla cautioned that the DILG is studying possible administrative or disciplinary actions against officials who defy the travel suspension order.

“We have sanctioning powers and can recommend disciplinary measures,” said the DILG chief.

Local governments have also been directed to assist affected communities, reactivate Local Price Coordinating Councils to prevent overpricing, and coordinate with regional and provincial disaster councils for a unified response.

Meantime, all DILG regional directors have been instructed to ensure full compliance with the directive nationwide.

“Visible, hands-on leadership from both elective and appointive officials is crucial in safeguarding communities and ensuring swift recovery,” Remulla said.