Manila: Following marching orders from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla vowed to rev up the investigation into alleged corruption and misuse of public funds in government projects. 'Ibibigay ko 'to sa investigation side sa'min, sa mga nangyayari sa mga katiwalian na sinabi ng Presidente (I will give it to the investigation side of me, on what is happening with the corruption that the President talked about). We are going to go full blast on that. We will make sure that we cover [everything]. Gagawin namin 'yan (We will do that),' Remulla said in an interview over PTV late Monday afternoon.
According to Philippines News Agency, during his SONA on Monday, Marcos ordered a full audit of all flood control projects, blasting costly but ineffective infrastructure that failed amid recent floods in various areas in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. "Mahiya naman kayo sa inyong kapwa Pilipino (Be ashamed on your fellow Filipinos)!" Marcos said about those involved in "stealing" public funds and "racketeering" in government projects. Remulla lauded Marcos' stern warning, describing the President's SONA before a joint session of Congress as "a great fantastic speech." "I'm glad kasi gusto ko yung accountable talaga ang gobyerno sa tao (because I want the government to be really accountable to the people). And this is the most conclusive I've heard him speak about having people accountable. And those of the people in front of him, mahiya naman kayo (Shame on you),' Remulla stressed.
In terms of peace and security, Remulla said they have already strengthened the Emergency 911 system. 'We are on our way, the five-minute response time, the 911 system is about to be put up, new firetrucks, more policemen, more CCTVs - we're gonna make the country safer, cities safer, everyone will be safer,' the Interior Secretary noted. Remulla assured the public that the existing emergency hotlines set up by local government units (LGUs) could still be used as dispatch centers to take over if needed. To boost police response, alongside the new 911 emergency call system rollout, Remulla also committed to providing more vehicles and motorcycles for the PNP. Remulla said the upgraded system is part of the administration's broader push for faster police response in compliance with Marcos' directive for improved police visibility and public safety.
Meanwhile, the DILG said it continues to enhance the capacities of local government units (LGUs) in disaster preparedness through robust systems-based protocols, grassroots engagement, and anticipatory planning. The DILG also reaffirmed its commitment to building resilient communities by equipping both barangays and cities with tools that prevent loss of lives and ensure rapid response. Remulla said the Department's posture is simple but resolute: anticipate, prepare, and act decisively before disasters strike. 'Disaster preparedness must be embedded in how we govern every day. Bago pa bumaha, bago pa tumama ang bagyo, dapat may galaw na ang lokal na pamahalaan (Before it floods, before the typhoon hits, the local government should have made a move),' Remulla said in a statement.
As Vice Chair for Disaster Preparedness under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the DILG leads the implementation of Operation Listo, a disaster readiness protocol that standardizes pre-disaster actions for governors, mayors, and punong barangays. The DILG chief was given the authority to make announcements on the suspension of classes on behalf of the Cabinet and the Palace, according to the Presidential Communications Office. Remulla said they have made it a point to announce class suspensions by 4 p.m. at the latest and through various channels, including social media.
In April 2025, the DILG launched the enhanced Listo si Kap protocol, focusing on equipping barangay officials with the right tools, coordination frameworks, and situational checklists to activate even in far-flung sitios. The DILG has also taken a stronger stance on LGU-led solid waste management and flood mitigation, recognizing the connection between local governance and climate resilience. All LGUs have been urged to update their disaster preparedness plans, monitor critical waterways, and preposition cleaning and rescue assets ahead of weather disturbances. Barangays are expected to lead early warning dissemination, implement evacuation protocols, and coordinate with city and municipal DRRM councils.
To support this, the DILG is upgrading Emergency 911 systems nationwide. More LGUs are now operating local E911 call centers that are geotagged, multilingual, and linked directly to police, fire, and medical responders. This allows for faster deployment and clearer coordination at the community level. The Department is also integrating disaster risk reduction with inclusive wellness and community programming. Through Memorandum Circular 2025-037, LGUs are reminded to open civic spaces such as parks, plazas, and covered courts to all members of the public, particularly during emergencies and evacuations. These same venues are also encouraged to be used for disaster education, drills, and wellness activities to strengthen community ties.
