The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has initiated a formal investigation into allegations that several Cebu provincial officials traveled to Europe for vacation while Typhoon Tino battered the province on November 4, 2025.
Provincial Government Confirms Investigation
The Cebu Provincial Government confirmed on Monday, November 10, that they received official communication from the DILG national office regarding the ongoing probe. Aldwin Empaces, Assistant Provincial Administrator, stated that they were ordered to submit all travel documents related to local chief executives.
"This morning, we just received an order from the national office of the DILG to submit all travel orders that was given to all local chief executives for an investigation and other purposes," Empaces revealed on November 10.
Controversial European Travel During Crisis
The investigation focuses on multiple local officials from Cebu's fifth district, particularly those from severely affected municipalities of Compostela and Liloan. These officials faced significant public criticism after reports emerged of their travels to London and France while their constituents dealt with the typhoon's impact.
Earlier confirmation from the Capitol revealed that Governor Pamela Baricuatro had issued Foreign Travel Authorities (FTA) in September to several mayors including:
- Catmon Mayor Avis Ginoo-Monleon
- San Francisco Mayor Alfredo Arquillano Jr.
- Tudela Mayor Greman Solante
- Poro Mayor Edgar G. Rama
- Pilar Mayor Manuel Santiago
- Compostela Mayor Felijur Quiño
- Liloan Mayor Aljew Fernando Frasco
Next Steps and Missing Documentation
The DILG has not provided additional information about the investigation timeline or process. According to provincial officials, subsequent actions will depend entirely on directives from the DILG central office.
Notably, Fifth District Representative Duke Frasco showed no travel records in the governor's office, indicating he might not have been part of the controversial European trip.
The submitted documents to DILG included travel permits issued by Governor Baricuatro in September, which has raised questions about the timing and necessity of foreign travel during the approaching typhoon season.
