CEBU, Philippines — Eight high-ranking Cebu officials, including a district representative and seven municipal mayors, have been slapped with criminal and administrative complaints before the Visayas Ombudsman. The charges stem from the officials’ decision to travel abroad just before Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) struck the Visayas region in early November 2025, bringing destructive winds and widespread flooding.
Atty. Julito Añora Jr. filed the complaints, arguing that the officials’ absence during a critical period of disaster preparedness constitutes a grave dereliction of duty. Local government executives are mandated to be present, particularly during calamities, to oversee preparations, coordinate relief efforts, and ensure the safety of their constituents. The timing of the foreign travel—immediately preceding a major weather event that saw Cebu placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4 in some areas—has drawn sharp public and legal scrutiny.
The Charge of Dereliction
The complaint specifically targets Representative Vincent “Duke” Frasco of Cebu’s 5th District and Mayors Aljew Fernando Frasco (Liloan), Avis Ginoo-Monleon (Catmon), Alfredo Arquillano Jr. (San Francisco), Greman Solante (Tudela), Edgar Rama (Poro), Manuel Santiago (Pilar), and Felijur Quiño (Compostela). All are from towns directly affected by the typhoon’s wrath.
According to legal experts, the administrative complaint hinges on whether the officials violated the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, which requires public servants to perform their duties with utmost responsibility. The criminal complaint, meanwhile, could explore violations related to the performance of official duties.
While elected officials have the right to travel, the core issue is the conflict between their travel schedule and their primary responsibility to their constituents, especially with a typhoon looming. Typhoon Tino caused extensive damage, displacement, and loss of life across the region. The complainants argue that the officials’ perceived abandonment of their posts during this emergency undermined the local governments’ preparedness and response capability, potentially worsening the disaster’s impact on their communities.
The Visayas Ombudsman is now tasked with determining if the officials’ pre-typhoon departure warrants formal investigation, which could lead to disciplinary action, sanctions, or even removal from office. This case serves as a stern reminder of the accountability public officials bear, particularly in a country highly susceptible to natural disasters.