The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Wednesday, November 12, it is investigating one of its ranking employees, who is currently facing public backlash after jumping on a viral TikTok dance craze during the height of Super Typhoon Uwan.
The DILG did not name the official in question, but it was referring to Assistant Secretary for Communications and External Affairs Maria Liavel Badillo-Crisostomo. Her ‘Opalite’ dance in Hanoi, Vietnam was questioned over its appropriateness while Filipinos at home were battling an enormous storm.
“The DILG is investigating a social media post by one of its officials. Said official has voluntarily gone on leave to ensure an impartial probe and full accountability,” the agency said in a statement.
“The DILG remains resolute in upholding the highest standards of public service and professional conduct among its officials and personnel,” it added.
Netizens criticized Badillo-Crisostomo for choosing to film herself dancing to a trendy audio track instead of using her platform to warn Filipinos about the dangers of the oncoming storm or what they can do to help themselves amid the crisis.
The issue surfaced just as the DILG ordered Cebu provincial officials to submit records of all foreign travel authorities of local chief executives and government officials for review.
The move came amid reports that some officials went abroad during the typhoon response period.
According to Cebu Provincial Assistant Administrator Aldwin Empaces, the Office of the Governor received a formal directive from the DILG Central Office on the matter.
