President Marcos Backs Remulla Amid Criticism
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. came to the defense of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla amid public backlash over his informal and humorous way of announcing class and work suspensions during storms and flooding.
Critics accused Remulla and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) of being insensitive, especially while millions of Filipinos were affected by heavy rains, flooding, and the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Crising and the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).
Speaking during his visit to Washington, D.C., President Marcos explained that he doesn’t judge officials based on their communication style. He emphasized that what matters most is whether the message is clearly delivered. He also pointed out that he himself receives criticism for how he speaks but noted that everyone has their own way of communicating.
The President clarified that assigning Remulla to handle official suspension announcements was a deliberate move to reduce the spread of false information. Marcos said this ensures the public has one clear and trusted source for these updates.
The controversy started when Remulla posted casual and playful updates on the DILG’s official Facebook page. One post joked about eating first before releasing the announcement, while another described taking a nap after a meal. While these posts were meant to lighten the mood, many netizens found the tone inappropriate given the situation. Remulla later apologized, saying his intention was never to downplay the challenges people were facing but simply to ease tension during difficult times.
Meanwhile, the country continues to deal with the effects of multiple weather systems. The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported 12 fatalities, most due to drowning and falling debris. Over 1.4 million people have been affected across various regions. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is closely monitoring the situation, especially as Tropical Cyclones Emong and Dante also pose threats to several provinces.
As of PAGASA’s latest bulletin, several areas in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan remain under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1, indicating ongoing risks and the need for continued public safety updates.