Leadership Tested as Typhoon Threatens Earthquake-Ravaged Northern Cebu
When Typhoon Tino approached Northern Cebu in early November 2025, it presented more than just a weather emergency—it became a crucial test of leadership for local officials. While several elected representatives from the 5th District departed for an official vacation in London, one neophyte mayor made a different choice that would define his commitment to public service.
In the coastal municipality of Borbon, Mayor Nico Dotillos quietly canceled his planned trip abroad, choosing instead to remain with his constituents as the typhoon threatened communities still recovering from recent earthquakes. His decision, documented in a brief letter citing "unforeseen circumstances such as the calamity we are facing right now," stood in stark contrast to colleagues who proceeded with their international travel.
The Legal and Moral Imperative of Disaster Leadership
Philippine law establishes clear responsibilities for public officials during emergencies. Article XI, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution explicitly states that public office is a public trust, requiring officials to serve with "utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency."
Three key laws govern official conduct during disasters:
- Republic Act 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards) mandates that officials perform duties with the highest responsibility
- Republic Act 10121 (Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act) designates local chief executives as frontline disaster leaders
- The Local Government Code requires mayors to implement emergency measures during calamities
These legal frameworks make clear that during imminent disasters, a mayor's presence is both a legal requirement and moral obligation. Absence during such critical periods could constitute dereliction of duty under Article 208 of the Revised Penal Code or neglect of official functions under RA 6713.
From Decision to Action: Zero Casualties Achieved
Mayor Dotillos's commitment translated into direct action when Typhoon Tino made landfall. Recognizing that his town continued to struggle with limited water supply and incomplete recovery from previous earthquakes, he personally led evacuation operations and relief efforts.
Working alongside local disaster risk reduction and management teams and municipal officers, the mayor ensured comprehensive preparedness measures were in place. His hands-on approach during the emergency yielded significant results: zero casualties or serious injuries were recorded in Borbon, a outcome verified by both the mayor's office and local authorities.
This achievement demonstrates how intentional leadership during crises can directly protect community safety. While other officials had secured proper travel authority and gubernatorial approval for their London trip, Mayor Dotillos recognized that legal permission doesn't always align with ethical responsibility.
As Cebu begins rebuilding from Tino's devastation, the proactive leadership demonstrated in Borbon has restored something essential: public trust in local governance. Mayor Nico Dotillos's example reminds us that true leadership requires empathy, foresight, and the courage to prioritize constituent welfare above personal convenience.
