The BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN) expressed deep disappointment while Kawani Laban sa Kontraktwalisasyon (Kalakon) showed outrage over the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)’s supposedly ‘funny’ storm update announcements on its Facebook page. Meanwhile, netizens called the department’s reporting style insulting, insensitive and lacking professionalism.
In recent days, the country experienced relentless rains and flooding from storms Crising, Dante and the southwest monsoon, extensively displacing and destroying crops. On July 21, DILG, under the leadership of Secretary Jonvic Remulla, started posting messages in as jokes as “We in government were lousy yesterday. We should have anticipated the deluge last night;” and “For the immortal employees, it’s up to your boss. They know who needs to work.”
“These statements do not reflect the gravity of the situation. Lives are at risk. Homes are submerged. Families are displaced. Trying to be funny in a moment like this reflects a lack of empathy and responsibility. Government communication should inform, protect, and uplift—not downplay danger or treat suffering as entertainment,” BIEN stated.
“The tone of the post, filled with memes, forced humor, and attempts to be ‘relatable,’ was not only unprofessional but also deeply insensitive. Calling workers ‘immortal’ for showing up to work despite life-threatening floods and severe weather is an insult, not a compliment. These are people doing what they must to survive. They deserve safety, support, and respect, not mockery,” the group added.
According to Kalakon, “contractual workers challenge floods, face danger, just to work. And while they do this, those in power release posts trying to be cute, while the reality faced by contractual workers seems invisible to the government.”
Instead of admitting or apologizing to critics on the DILG’s Facebook page, Remulla became defensive and indifferent. He said, “so many were angered. Sorry, but I will no longer change my attitude. If my jokes are inappropriate for you, remember that I did not curse, insult or belittle anyone. I also flattered noone or told lies. A little humor never hurt anyone.”
“In the name of the dignity and rights of contractual workers, we strongly urge you not to make a joke of contractual workers’ lives. Do not make ‘content’ out of their suffering. They need no ‘engagement posts’—they need justice, regularization and respect,” Kalakon stated.
“To the DILG: you are not social media influencers, you are public servants. We ask that you take that role seriously. Use your platforms to deliver accurate, timely, and respectful information. Stop making light of people’s hardship. Start showing the dignity that every Filipino deserves,” BIEN said.
