When disaster strikes, people expect their government to lead with clarity, seriousness, and empathy. But what happens when official updates sound more like social media jokes than critical public advisories? In a recent controversy that exploded online, celebrities Jessy Mendiola and Jake Ejercito called out the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for an announcement many believe was insensitive and inappropriate during a time of crisis.

This isn’t just about a celebrity comment. It raises critical questions about how class suspension updates are communicated to the public, especially in a country like the Philippines where natural disasters are a frequent reality. Here’s what happened, why it matters, and what needs to change.

The Post That Sparked Public Outrage

The DILG’s Facebook page published a post that quickly went viral for all the wrong reasons. Instead of delivering a straightforward class suspension announcement, the post included casual slang and humor that many deemed unprofessional. The caption read:

“Mga Abangers, sarap ng bogchi ko. Sa kabusugan ay naka idlip nang sandali. Oh, eto na inaabangan ninyo.”

Alongside the text was an announcement card bearing the name of DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla. The intended purpose of the post was to inform the public of class suspensions due to the heavy rains and flooding brought by the southwest monsoon, or habagat. But what people got instead was a tone that seemed flippant and out of touch.

Jessy and Jake Speak Out — Public Figures Hold Institutions Accountable

Actor Jake Ejercito didn’t hold back. He left a sharp comment on the post: “There’s a time and place for trying to be funny — this isn’t one of them.”

Actress Jessy Mendiola also responded bluntly, asking, “Is this supposed to be funny?”

These reactions from well-known personalities resonated with thousands of netizens. Their voices amplified public frustration over how government agencies communicate during emergencies. In moments when Filipinos are battling floodwaters, losing homes, and facing disrupted livelihoods, the tone of official announcements carries more weight than ever.

Why Class Suspension Announcements Are a Serious Matter

In a country where typhoons, floods, and heavy monsoon rains regularly cause disruptions, class suspension notices are essential. They affect students, teachers, parents, and even businesses. When the government releases these updates, they need to be timely, accurate, and respectful.

A confusing or overly casual announcement can result in uncertainty. Parents might not know whether to send their children to school. Students might be left in limbo. In worst-case scenarios, poor communication can put lives at risk.

Clear messaging ensures that people can make informed, safe decisions. That’s why the tone and content of such announcements should never be taken lightly.

The Fine Line Between Relatable and Irresponsible

Secretary Jonvic Remulla is known for his casual, often humorous communication style — a trademark he carried over from his time as the governor of Cavite. While some constituents appreciate the relatability, many argue that there’s a time and place for that tone.

So the question becomes: Should government communication try to be entertaining?

The answer lies in context. While humanizing government institutions can foster stronger engagement, using humor during a disaster risks trivializing real suffering. When families are in evacuation centers or searching for missing loved ones, jokes — even well-intentioned — can seem disrespectful.

The Human Impact of Habagat

This isn’t just about tone. It’s about timing and awareness.

The heavy rains brought by habagat have once again caused severe flooding across multiple regions. Streets have turned into rivers. Homes have been damaged or destroyed. Work has been suspended. Students are unable to attend classes. For many Filipinos, this is not merely an inconvenience — it’s a crisis.

Government agencies have a responsibility to respond to these events with the seriousness they deserve. Class suspension announcements should reflect empathy for those affected, not amusement.

Social Media as a Tool for Crisis Communication

The Philippines is one of the most active countries on Facebook, with over 70 million users. Government agencies increasingly rely on social media to disseminate information, especially during emergencies. While this allows for rapid updates, it also raises the stakes.

When communication misfires on social media, it doesn’t just fade into the background — it goes viral. In this case, it opened up discussions about digital professionalism, content strategy, and who is accountable when things go wrong.

Should government agencies undergo social media training? Should they have stricter approval processes before publishing posts?

Many citizens now believe the answer is yes.

Learning from the Mistake: How the DILG Can Move Forward

So far, the DILG has not issued a formal apology or explanation. But the public’s response makes it clear: people expect better.

Moving forward, agencies like the DILG can adopt a more structured communication strategy. This includes defining the tone and language used in posts, especially during emergencies. It also means listening to public feedback and being willing to admit mistakes when necessary.

Government communication is not just about delivering information. It’s about building trust. And that trust can be easily eroded by careless or insensitive posts.

What This Incident Tells Us About Accountability

The backlash against the DILG’s class suspension post is more than a social media controversy. It reveals a deeper desire among Filipinos for professionalism, empathy, and accountability in public service.

In a time when misinformation spreads quickly and public patience is thin, government agencies must lead by example. That includes being transparent, responsive, and respectful — especially in moments of crisis.