DILG Criticized for Style of Announcing Class and Work Suspensions

As the post indicates, the message is from "Sec Jonvic." ICYMI: Malacañang has recently tapped DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla to handle the announcement of work and class suspensions during extreme weather, following recommendations from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). 

At first, internet users were amused with the playful tone of the posts but soon came the criticisms, with some pointing out that the messaging style may not be the most appropriate in the midst of a national emergency. Among those who called out the DILG in the comment section were celebrities Jake Ejercito and Jessy Mendiola. 

"There’s a time and place for trying to be funny—this isn’t one of them,” Ejercito said. 

“Is this supposed to be funny?” Mendiola asked. 

Meanwhile, says educator Norvine Quinag in a Facebook post: "As someone who teaches Disaster Communication, I always remind my students that using jokes, humor, or memes when announcing serious situations—especially disasters and risks—is strongly discouraged. Doing so not only downplays the gravity of the situation but can also lead audiences to develop a dismissive attitude toward disaster warnings."

Responding to the call outs, Remulla said he was just using the same voice he employed back when he was governor of Cavite. 

“Sanay na ang tao sa akin with the way I am posting in Cavite. I think the country will get into it eventually kung paano ako makipag-communicate sa tao. Para sa akin, point taken na galit sila sa akin, pero point din sa akin na nalaman ng public kung ano ang dapat nilang malaman,” Remulla said in an interview with ABS-CBN News. "Ang mahalaga at least na-inform ko ang public.” 

Even President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. appeared to defend the posts, saying the public should focus on the substance of the message rather than how it was delivered. 

“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, and as long as he achieves that, then he manages to do what he sets out to do,” Marcos was quoted as saying. “I am not exactly a judge of… literary style. I don't know how you want to put it. So that’s really… I have to consider that out of my purview.”

The DILG is a key agency in overseeing how local governments prepare for and respond to disasters. It supervises LGUs, coordinates evacuations, and ensures local preparedness.

Also read: Who Has the Power to Suspend Work During Heavy Rainfall?