Jessy Mendiola Expresses Displeasure Over DILG Undersecretary Jovic Remulla’s Comment Amid Widespread Flooding from Recent Typhoon (NH)

Jessy Mendiola Expresses Displeasure Over DILG Undersecretary Jovic Remulla’s Comment Amid Widespread Flooding from Recent Typhoon

📅 LIVE UPDATE: July 28, 2025
📍 Metro Manila, Philippines

Introduction

Actress Jessy Mendiola has voiced her displeasure on social media after a remark made by DILG Undersecretary Jovic Remulla during a televised briefing was perceived by many as inappropriate, especially given the ongoing floods caused by the recent typhoon that battered several parts of the country.

The typhoon, which brought torrential rains across Luzon and parts of Visayas, displaced thousands, damaged infrastructure, and triggered critical flood alerts in low-lying communities. Amid this serious situation, a brief moment during the DILG’s press update unexpectedly sparked public backlash when Remulla made a light-hearted remark that many, including Mendiola, found distasteful and “insensitive.”

What Was Said: The Comment That Sparked Controversy

During a press conference on July 27, Undersecretary Remulla was addressing updates about government evacuation efforts and logistics coordination. At one point, in what appeared to be an off-script moment, he made a joke referencing the flooding situation in a way that some viewers interpreted as trivializing the suffering of affected communities.

Though the specific wording of the joke has since been removed from official transcripts and video reuploads, several netizens recorded the live stream and circulated the moment on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.

The remark, which appeared intended as a moment of levity, instead drew criticism from both ordinary citizens and public figures who believed it was ill-timed and poorly judged.

Jessy Mendiola’s Reaction

Jessy Mendiola, known for her outspoken advocacy on motherhood, disaster preparedness, and mental health, took to Instagram Stories and X shortly after the video clip circulated. She wrote:

“Now is NOT the time to joke. Families are cold, wet, and scared. If you hold a position of power, lead with empathy — not sarcasm.”

The actress’s message was shared by tens of thousands of followers and widely praised for its clarity and compassion. Fans and fellow celebrities commended her for using her platform to call for sensitivity and accountability.

Public Reaction: A Divided but Vocal Response

The online community quickly rallied around Mendiola’s statement, with many echoing her sentiments. The hashtag #RespectTheSuffering began trending in Metro Manila and Central Luzon by midday on July 28.

Supporters’ Views:

“She’s right. Joking while people are stranded is not leadership.”
“Thank you, Jessy. You said what many of us were thinking.”
“This shows how disconnected some officials are from the people.”

Critics’ Viewpoint:

Some social media users, however, defended the DILG official, saying the remark may have been misunderstood or was an attempt to relieve tension during a stressful situation. Others argued that more pressing issues — such as response efficiency and resource allocation — should take priority over tone policing.

DILG’s Clarification and Response

Later in the afternoon of July 28, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued a brief statement clarifying that the Undersecretary’s comment was “unintended to offend” and “made in the context of boosting morale among field personnel.”

“The Department remains committed to prioritizing the welfare of displaced Filipinos and ensuring that all communications are aligned with the gravity of the situation. We regret any distress caused by the remark,” the statement read.

Undersecretary Remulla has not released a personal statement as of this writing.

The Context: Typhoon “Esperanza” and Its Aftermath

Typhoon Esperanza, the seventh typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025, made landfall in Northern Luzon on July 26 and has since weakened into a tropical storm. However, its rainfall has continued to inundate several key provinces, including Bulacan, Pampanga, Laguna, Rizal, and parts of Metro Manila.

As of the latest data:

Over 58,000 individuals have been displaced.
15 municipalities have declared states of calamity.
Power outages and communications disruptions are ongoing in multiple areas.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) continues to coordinate rescue, relief, and recovery efforts nationwide.

Public Figures and Responsibility During Disasters

Jessy Mendiola’s reaction underscores a growing trend: celebrities using their platforms to highlight issues of governance, crisis response, and public empathy. In times of crisis, citizens often look to both elected officials and high-profile personalities for guidance, reassurance, and moral clarity.

When leaders make statements that seem disconnected from the harsh realities on the ground, public trust can erode — especially when people are actively suffering.

This incident invites a broader conversation about:

Communication sensitivity in government briefings
The influence of celebrity advocacy in times of crisis
The need for professional, consistent messaging in public service

Jessy Mendiola: Not New to Advocacy

Jessy Mendiola is no stranger to speaking up during times of national difficulty. In 2020 and 2021, she was praised for amplifying COVID-19 safety messages. In recent years, she has focused on motherhood, family health, and community engagement — partnering with NGOs and local governments for feeding programs and disaster relief drives.

Her recent statement about the DILG’s press briefing fits into her broader advocacy of calling for compassion in leadership and dignity in disaster response.

Conclusion

While the controversy involving DILG Undersecretary Jovic Remulla may fade in time, the core issue it represents remains: the importance of empathy, timing, and accountability in public service communication — especially during times of national distress.

Jessy Mendiola’s reaction reflects the collective emotion of many Filipinos grappling with real suffering brought by Typhoon Esperanza. In the face of calamity, leaders are expected to not only act effectively but speak mindfully.