Department of Interior and Local Government Sec. Juanito Victor "Jonvic" C. Remulla presents the proposed 2026 budget of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and its attached agencies on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ordered all elective local officials to refrain from travelling abroad from Nov. 9-15 amid the threat of typhoon “Uwan” which is expected to unleash strong winds and heavy rains.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the move was aimed at ensuring the availability of all the local officials in ongoing pre-disaster preparations, response, and recovery operations for past calamities that hit the country.
“Governors, mayors, barangay captains, and other local officials must lead on the ground,” said Remulla.
Remulla issued the order amid the social media outrage over the absence of some local officials in Cebu when the province was being pounded by typhoon “Tino”.
Cebu was the hardest hit of Tino, with a total of 139 fatalities while 96 others are still in the missing list.
In issuing the order, Remulla cited Local Government Code of 1991 and Republic Act No. 10121, which designate local executives as chairperson of their Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs).
“They must be physically present during all phases of disaster management—preparation, response, and recovery,” said Remulla.
“Visible, hands-on leadership from both elective and appointive officials is crucial in safeguarding communities and ensuring swift recovery,” he added.
LGUs are also urged to assist affected communities, reactivate Local Price Coordinating Councils to prevent overpricing, and coordinate with Regional and Provincial DRRMCs *Disaster and DILG Regional Offices for timely and unified action.
Remulla said all DILG Regional Directors have been instructed to ensure full compliance nationwide.