DILG chief apologizes over ‘humorous’ suspension posts amid public backlash

Benedict Maravilla 

After being put under public backlash, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jovic Remulla apologized for making class and work suspension announcements humorous, saying that he does not undermine the effect of the inclement weather.

In a television interview on July 23, Remulla explained that the announcements released through DILG’s Facebook page were made to lighten up the situation amid the negative ‘vibe’ surrounding the information system in the country.

“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,” Remulla said.

He added that the postings only reflected his personality as a humorous person who likes to always uplift the mood for everyone.

“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,” he said.

In a Facebook post also released on July 23, the secretary defended his actions, saying that he did not step on someone when he made the jokes.

“Kung ang biro ko ay ‘di karapat-dapat para sa inyo, tandaan ninyong wala naman akong minura, minaliit, o hinamak. Wala rin akong binola o sinabing kasinungalingan. A little humor never hurt anyone,” the statement read.

“Ang daming letga (galit). Pasensya na, pero hindi na ako magbabago ng ugali,” he added.

Marcos’ defense

In a press conference during his trip to Washington, DC, on July 23, President Ferdinand Marcos told reporters who asked about his reaction to the criticisms against Remulla that the latter’s manner of making announcements was simply a matter of how he expresses himself.

“As long as he gets the message across, that’s what it’s for. That’s what all of these postings are for and get some information across,” Marcos said. 

”People criticize me for the way I speak, criticize him for the way he speaks. But that’s the way he speaks,” he added.

Remulla’s latest update of class and work suspension announcement was released in a more serious tone compared to previous posts, but still included the issue regarding his jokes.

“Oo, pabiro man ako minsan — pero ang kapangyarihan ng panahon ay hindi biro,” the statement read.