Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has stood firm amid heavy criticism over his now-viral “Walang Pasok” announcements, saying he only wants the public to be informed even if his tone rubs some people the wrong way.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) official, a former Cavite governor, has drawn online backlash for his informal way of relaying class suspensions and hazard alerts. Many social media users, including celebrities, slammed his posts as unprofessional, insensitive, and lacking in empathy.
Still, Remulla said his approach is deliberate and necessary. He pointed out that the posts reach people and deliver critical information, especially during emergency weather alerts.
Remulla said that having critics is inevitable, but what matters most is that the public is updated with clear instructions about hazard zones and who should avoid going out during weather disturbances.
Celebrities call out Remulla’s tone online
Actor Jake Ejercito was one of the first to speak out against Remulla’s tone. He said there is a time and place for humor, but public announcements about safety are not one of them. Jessy Mendiola also commented that the posts were far from funny.
In response to Ejercito’s statement, Remulla said that he respects the actor’s opinion but believes people have already grown used to his communication style in Cavite. He also expressed confidence that Filipinos across the country would eventually understand and accept how he speaks online.
Remulla added that while he acknowledges people are upset, the point is that they got the message. His priority, he said, is to deliver vital information to the public as quickly as possible.
His critics, however, argue that tone also matters—especially in times of crisis when government communication should be professional and reassuring.
Marcos Jr. sides with Remulla on communication strategy
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has stepped in to defend the administration’s decision to let the DILG handle class suspension announcements. He said the goal is to simplify how the public receives emergency information and avoid confusion from multiple sources.
The president emphasized that what matters is clarity. If people know where to go and whom to listen to, then the system works. He added that letting the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government announce suspension updates helps eliminate fake news and provides a single, trusted source of truth.
When pressed if he would prefer Remulla to use a more professional tone, the president said what matters most is that Remulla gets the message across. Marcos said every announcement aims to deliver essential information and that communication style is outside his scope to evaluate.
Marcos also described himself as not being in the position to critique anyone’s literary style, implying that tone is subjective and best judged by the effectiveness of the message.
Netizens divided over tone versus substance
The public remains split. Some believe Remulla’s direct tone adds urgency to the message and helps cut through the noise of social media. Others insist that communication from a high-ranking official must reflect professionalism, especially when discussing matters that concern student safety and public preparedness.
On X, formerly Twitter, the phrase “Walang Pasok” trended for hours after Remulla’s post. Many users mocked the tone, while others expressed confusion over whether the post was official or merely a meme. A handful of users praised Remulla for being relatable, saying the style reminded them of announcements they saw during his time as Cavite governor.
Critics pointed to this reaction as proof that government communication must never be mistaken for internet humor. They argued that tone can influence how seriously people take public alerts, especially during typhoons and flash flood threats.
Remulla: ‘I’m just doing my job’
Amid the storm of comments, Remulla maintained that his role is to keep the public informed. He said bashers will always find something to complain about, but he will not shift focus from his job just to please everyone.
He said the Department of the Interior and Local Government has a duty to inform the public clearly and efficiently, and that’s what his posts aim to do. He urged the public to remain alert, especially with more rainfall forecast in the coming days.
Remulla said criticism is part of the job, especially when one takes a visible leadership role. He believes his long career in government has taught him that communication cannot please everyone, but it must serve its purpose.
DILG’s central role in public advisories questioned
Some political analysts weighed in on the issue, asking if the DILG should be the central voice for school suspension announcements. Traditionally, the Department of Education and local government units issued such advisories.
Analysts noted that while the President’s decision might streamline messaging, it could also create dependency on national agencies for matters usually handled at the local level.
They also raised concerns that inconsistent tone from officials like Remulla could damage the credibility of official communications. They warned that if public trust is eroded, the message—no matter how important—might not get through effectively.
As weather events grow stronger and more frequent due to climate change, the role of centralized, clear, and credible public announcements has never been more urgent.
The next announcement could test whether the public will tune in—or tune out.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.