President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. defended Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s role in announcing the suspension of classes and government work during the recent effects of the southwest monsoon.
In a Kapihan session held on July 22, President Marcos explained that Malacañang deliberately designated Secretary Remulla to make the announcement as part of efforts to improve the government’s information dissemination process.
“If it affects you, where do you go? Which website do you consult? So kapag ganito, basta sinabi na, the SILG will make the announcement… Wala ng fake news, ‘yon na yung totoo,” Marcos stated.
Remulla faced backlash online for the way he announced the suspension of classes and government work. His posts on the official DILG Facebook page drew widespread attention from netizens, including several celebrities who expressed disappointment over what they viewed as a lack of seriousness in handling the matter.
“There’s a time and place for trying to be funny— this isn’t one of them,” actor Jake Ejercito commented on the post
“Is this supposed to be funny? ,” Jessy Mendiola also commented
President Marcos downplayed the criticism, saying that it was simply Remulla’s natural manner of speaking.
“People criticize me for the way I speak, but that’s the way I speak. That’s the way he speaks.” he said.
“As long as he gets the message across, that’s what it is for. As long as he achieves that, then he manages to do what he sets out to do,” he added.
The President also informed the public that assigning Secretary Remulla to announce the suspension of work and classes was part of the administration's effort to improve its communication system.
In a post on the official DILG Facebook page earlier today, Remulla apologized to the public but reminded them that “a little humor never hurt anyone.”
"Pasensya na, pero hindi na ako magbabago ng ugali," he stated.
