MANILA — The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is investigating Isabela governor Rodolfo “Rodito” Albano III’s foreign trip to Germany despite an order suspending all travel leaves of local officials during the onslaught of Super Typhoon “Uwan.”
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that Albano left for Europe to attend an agricultural fair even as Northern Luzon faced massive flooding and isolation from the typhoon.
“We can recommend disciplinary measures, study all the implications [of] these matters. Maraming local government officials na wala dito ngayon na binagbabawal mahigpit na umalis sila,” Remulla told ANC.
Albano reportedly filed his travel leave a month before the storm but proceeded with his trip despite the DILG’s directive. He has since apologized and promised to “get the first available flight home.”
The timing of his absence drew public outrage as thousands were forced to flee their homes in Isabela, one of the hardest-hit provinces.
Albano was already under fire for earlier remarks telling residents to “chill” and “keep cool” as “Uwan” approached, comments widely slammed as insensitive given the threat of the storm.
In a previous interview, the governor said Isabela had limited resources to prepare for the typhoon and urged his constituents to “pray,” saying authorities could not “build a Noah’s Ark.”
Remulla, while defending Albano’s overall performance, admitted the governor’s humor may have backfired.
“‘Yung mga chill-chill na ‘yan, that’s usually [how] Rodito talks, but he’s honestly a very hardworking local government official,” he said, adding that Albano was merely “a victim of bad taste.”
The DILG chief quipped that the governor’s jokes were “even worse than mine,” but clarified that the remarks did not imply negligence.
Isabela remains under close monitoring as search, rescue, and relief operations continue for areas ravaged by landslides and flooding.
Typhoon “Uwan” is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Tuesday./PN
