Cebu officials who went to Europe are now facing an investigation from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) after reportedly traveling abroad during the height of Typhoon Tino, despite a nationwide suspension on foreign trips.
The suspension, ordered from November 9 to 15, required all local officials to stay in their jurisdictions for disaster response operations.
The DILG has directed the Cebu provincial government to submit all records of foreign travel authorities (FTAs) granted to local chief executives and officials during that period.
According to Cebu provincial assistant administrator Aldwin Empaces, the Office of the Governor received formal communication from the DILG Central Office regarding the directive.
The order came after reports surfaced that several officials from Cebu’s 5th District, including mayors, flew to Europe while the province was under severe weather conditions. Any FTA applications for the affected period were automatically denied, with the DILG stressing that local leaders must remain on the ground to oversee relief operations and ensure community safety.
Under the Local Government Code and the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, violations of travel suspensions can lead to administrative and criminal penalties.
National agencies have confirmed that eight officials filed their FTA requests as early as September, with the documents approved by Governor Pamela Baricuatro.
However, their absence during Typhoon Tino’s landfall sparked public backlash and prompted a deeper probe into whether their trips were justified or in violation of national directives.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla reminded local executives that leadership means presence. “Governors, mayors, and barangay captains must provide visible and hands-on leadership on the ground,” he said.
The department reaffirmed that disaster response takes priority over all foreign engagements, with the investigation now determining accountability for Cebu’s missing officials.
