Malacañang Issues Statement on Pres. Bongbong Marcos amid Rumors about Local Officials’ Overseas Trips during Typhoons
BONGBONG MARCOS – The Palace stressed that the President is against local officials taking a “chill” mode towards their duties to Filipinos.
Some cities in Cebu were affected by the unexpected intensity of flash flood that cost many lives during the wrath of Typhoon Tino. According to Pres. Marcos Jr., the officials prepared for the possibility of a storm surge but it was a flash flood that took place, thus, the cities were really not prepared for what happened.
Marcos Jr. apologized to the victims of the typhoon Tino and assured them that the government will help them as they recover from the impact of the calamity. Cash assistance will be given to families whose homes were partially or totally-damaged by the calamity.
Pres. Bongbong Marcos personally went to Cebu and talked to the officials and some victims of Typhoon Tino. Many families are staying in evacuation centers after their houses were totally destroyed by the storm. However, amid the huge devastation in the province, there are rumors that some local officials were allegedly out on an overseas trip during the height of the devastation caused by Tino.
Based on the list of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), at least 7 mayors and a board member from Cebu were allegedly in the United Kingdom during Tino’s wrath to the province. At least 200 people were left dead by the typhoon in Cebu and Negros provinces.
Aside from the rumors about some officials in Cebu, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla also confirmed that Isabela Governor Rodolfo Albano III was in Germany when super typhoon “Uwan” hit his province. Recently, Malacañang spoke the stance of Pres. Bongbong Marcos over local officials taking a “chill” mode towards their duties to the Filipino people.
Based on a report GMA News, Palace press officer undersecretary Claire Castro claimed that Marcos Jr. is not favor of the “chill” approach of some local officials most especially in times of natural disasters. She stressed that the people rely to the government so the officials should be working for the people.
“Unang-una, sa Pangulo, hindi po niya gusto na ang mga liderato ay chill-chill lang. Dapat ang trabaho ay para sa taumbayan kasi umaasa po sila sa gobyerno, lalo na sa ganitong klaseng sitwasyon,” the Malacañang press official said.
Moreover, based on the report, aside from stressing that Pres. Bongbong Marcos is against the “chill” approach of local officials towards their duties, Atty. Claire Castro also expressed that the local officials should prioritize work first before vacations.
“Hindi puwedeng sabihin na chill-chill lang palagi. Dapat trabaho, hindi bakasyon,” Castro said.
Amid the criticisms, Malacañang recently defended Pres. Bongbong Marcos on the cash assistance of the government for the typhoon victims.