Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla admitted fault for the delayed announcement of the suspension of class and work in Metro Manila and 16 provinces on Monday, September 1.
He stated that the predictive model for heavy rains was updated at 3 a.m. but he was only able to check the update when he woke up at 6 a.m.
“Kasalanan ko ’yan kasi predictive model as of 10 p.m., central Philippines lang ang affected. Biglang nag-shift, umakyat ang weather system, 3 a.m. ko nakuha ang notice, nagising ako 6 a.m. na,” he said.
Remulla clarified that the initial rainfall prediction was low and only intensified by 3 a.m., at which time he was still asleep.
It was only around 5:30 a.m. on Monday that the DILG released the announcement suspending both classes and government work for the same day.
“I'm usually correct. I usually get it right, I got it wrong this time kasi nag-iba bigla ang weather pattern, but rest assured na if I have the appropriate information, I really announce a day before talaga 'yun ang kinaugalian ko na. Ngayon lang talaga na namintis namin 'yung prediction," he added.
He also explained that before releasing any information regarding the suspension of classes and government work, the DILG coordinates with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
