Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla apologized to the public on Wednesday, July 23, over what he called his "humorous" way of announcing class and work suspensions that did not sit well with netizens.

Netizens were reacting to his posts on DILG Philippines on Facebook at a time when the country was being hit by devastating downpours and flooding caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon, or habagat with lives being lost and houses damaged.

“Siguro hindi nila ako naiintindihan. Pabiro talaga ako. Hindi ko naman minamaliit ang pinaghihirapan nila. Ang ginagawa ko lang, ang pagpapaalala ay ginawa kong mas magaan para hindi negative vibes lagi ang naririnig (Maybe they don't understand me. I'm just kidding. I'm not belittling what they're going through. All I'm doing is reminding them; I've made it a little lighter so that they don't always hear negative vibes)," Remula said in a TV interview.

“Kung 'di naman nila naiintindihan ay humihingi ako ng pasensiya. Pero ganoon talaga pagkatao ko. Ano na lang, intindihin na lang ito na wala naman akong masamang intensiyon (If they don't understand, I apologize. But that's just how I am. Anyway, just understand that I have no bad intentions)," he added.

Remulla, in social media posts attributed to him on the DILG's Facebook page, earned criticism from netizens, over the manner by which he announced the suspension of classes and work.

In one of its earlier posts on July 22, the DILG said, “Mga Abangers, May inaabangan ba kayo? Mamaya na kain muna ako (Hey Abangers, are you waiting for something? I'll tell it later, let me eat first)," with Remulla's name attached to the published material.

It was then followed by another post with the secretary saying, “Mga Abangers, sarap ng bogchi ko. Sa kabusugan ay nakaidlip nang sandali. Oh, eto na inaabangan ninyo (Hey Abangers, I had a delicious meal and fell asleep after being full. Here is what you all are waiting for)," as Remulla listed the areas affected by the class and work suspensions.

The agency also posted another publication material with the secretary saying, “Sa aking bagong BFF Sol (Aragones). Oh ayan. Nasama na kayo sa listahan pero nakalimutan ko sarili kong lalawigan. BFF, payagan mo nang walang pasok mga college students. 'Di immortal mga yan. Baka may pagkakataon sila makapanood ng bagong Superman. Nakatipid naman sila ng baon. Kung may kailangan, text ka lang. Iyong BFF, Gov SILG (To my new BFF Sol. Oh, here you go. You're on the list, but I forgot my own province. BFF, let the college students have a day off. They're not immortal. Maybe they'll get a chance to watch the new Superman. They've saved up some money. If you need anything, just text me. Your BFF, Gov SILG)."

Netizens said the manner or style the announcements was delivered was inappropriate and does not fit a government office and its top official.

“In times of calamity, public communication must be clear, serious, and focused on safety. This post treats a dangerous situation lightly. People's lives are at stake. Leadership demands professionalism, not jokes," one netizen said.

“As a government leader, one should maintain professionalism, especially in public posts. There is a proper time for jokes, but official matters deserve seriousness and respect," said another.

Even showbiz personalities took a swipe at Remulla and the agency regarding the posts, with actor Jake Ejercito saying, “There’s a time and place for trying to be funny—this isn’t one of them."

Actress Jessy Mendiola also aired her dismay over the posts saying, “Is this supposed to be funny?"

According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), 12 people have died due to the adverse effects of the enhanced habagat and Tropical Cyclone Crising as of Wednesday, July 23.

Thousands of Filipinos were also evacuated due to the heavy rains, and severe flooding was reported in almost the whole of Metro Manila and nearby provinces.