The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is taking legal action against multiple local officials from Cebu who allegedly abandoned their posts during the devastating Typhoon Tino. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced on Monday, November 17, 2025, that complaints will be filed against eight municipal mayors and one Provincial Board member from Cebu's 5th District.
Officials Face Multiple Charges
According to Secretary Remulla, the DILG will file formal complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman against 24 local government officials nationwide who traveled abroad from November 9 to 15. This travel violated an official ban imposed during Typhoon Uwan. The Cebu officials specifically traveled to the United Kingdom on November 4, while Typhoon Tino was battering the province.
The charges include abandonment of duty, gross neglect, and insubordination. Remulla emphasized that despite clear orders prohibiting travel during the typhoon period, these officials proceeded with their international trip.
List of Officials Involved
Records from the DILG Central Office identified the following mayors who were in London during Typhoon Tino's onslaught:
- Mayor Aljew Fernando Frasco of Liloan
- Mayor Felijur Quiño of Compostela
- Mayor Avis Ginoo-Monleon of Catmon
- Mayor Alfredo Arquillano Jr. of San Francisco
- Mayor Edgar Rama of Poro
- Mayor Greman Solante of Tudela
- Mayor Manuel Santiago of Pilar
Additionally, Cebu 5th District Provincial Board Member Andrei "Red" Duterte was part of the UK traveling group. The delegation also included 5th District Representative Duke Frasco and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, who attended a global tourism expo in London.
Typhoon Impact and Legal Consequences
Typhoon Tino caused massive flooding across multiple cities and municipalities in Cebu, including Cebu City, Danao, Mandaue, Talisay, Consolacion, Liloan, Compostela, Balamban, and Asturias. The typhoon claimed 269 lives, with 150 fatalities occurring in Cebu Province alone.
While the officials had obtained an Authority to Travel from the Office of the Governor in September, four mayors—Frasco, Arquillano, Monleon, and Quiño—failed to secure the required Foreign Travel Authority from the DILG Portal.
Only Borbon Mayor Nico Dotillos canceled his London trip as Typhoon Tino made landfall in Cebu, specifically targeting the Camotes Group of Islands and heading toward Borbon.
Although no specific law prohibits local officials from leaving during calamities, several legal provisions apply. Republic Act 7160 (Local Government Code) requires mayors to implement emergency measures before, during, and after disasters. DILG circulars also mandate local leaders to remain in their jurisdictions to supervise disaster response operations.
Possible penalties under RA 10121 (Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010) include fines up to P500,000, imprisonment of up to 12 years, and perpetual disqualification from public office if officials are found guilty of the charges.
