THE Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued a memorandum which cancels the travel authorities and leaves of absence of local government officials in times of natural or man-made calamities and disasters.
DILF Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said in a memorandum issued by DILG secretary Eduardo Año on January 4 that approved travel authorities and/or leave of absence of local executives are immediately cancelled in case of disaster such as typhoon.
Malaya said such order was issued to ensure that mayors and other local government officials will no longer be missing in action during such critical times when they are needed by their constituents.
“As we are guided by law, we will exercise it to its full extent to ensure that local chief executives are where they are expected to be in times of disaster or calamities," he said.
“Local chief executives should be physically present in their respective stations especially during times of disasters. As chairpersons of their respective local disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) committees, they must personally oversee their local disaster management preparations and operations,” he added.
Travel authorities and leaves of absences approved by provincial governors and city or municipal mayors will also be immediately recalled as stated in the said memorandum.
Earlier, the DILG asked 16 Northern Luzon mayors to explain why they were missing in action when Typhoon Ompong struck their towns.
The DILG has recommended the filing of administrative charges before the Office of the Ombudsman against Mayor Felix Eduarte of Tayum, Abra; Mayor Materno Luspian of Mankayan, Benguet; Mayor Mateo Chiyawan of Natonin, Mt. Province; Mayor Jose Limmayog Jr. of Sadanga, Mt. Province; and Mayor Brenda Ruma of Rizal, Cagayan over their absence during the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong in their areas in September 2018.
Malaya said the said mayors gave “inadequate and unjustified” explanation why they were missing in action when their areas and constituents are being battered by Ompong.
Mayor Robert Seares Jr. of Dolores, Abra; Mayor Marjorie Salazar of Lasam, Cagayan; Mayor Kim Turingan of Enrile, Cagayan; Mayor Carmelo Villacete of Piat, Cagayan; Mayor Jenalyn Carag of Solana, Cagayan; and Mayor Francisco Mamba Jr. of Tuao, Cagayan, on the other hand, received written admonition from the DILG for the same reason.
Malaya said whether the absence of a local officials is for personal or official reasons, their duty as local chief executives must be of first priority especially during calamities unless they can prove that it is legally and physically impossible to perform their duty during that time.
The explanation of four other mayors were still being validated while only one has given a valid reason for his absence. (SunStar Philippines)