The Audacity of Being Insensitive

For almost two weeks now, it’s been nothing but dark skies, endless rain, and knee-deep floods for many parts of the country. The sun has been missing, and for millions of Filipinos—especially daily wage earners and workers—so has any sense of normalcy. Commutes have turned into obstacle courses, soaked clothes are the new office uniform, and the simple act of going to work feels like a survival game.

While big businesses manage to stay afloat with backup plans and safety nets, ordinary workers aren’t so lucky. Many can’t afford to miss a day’s pay, even if it means wading through dirty floodwaters and dodging the next laglag sidewalk. With every trip to work, they're not just spending on fare—they’re sacrificing meals and risking their safety. And yet, in the face of all this, there's always that classic Filipino brand of forced cheer and so-called “resilience” that some people love to romanticize.

That’s where things get frustrating.

Recently, a social media post from Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla sparked backlash online. It was meant to be an update on class suspensions during the typhoon—but the tone, the wording, and the overall delivery came off as flippant and out of touch. Netizens didn’t hold back, and for good reason. The post lacked the empathy people expect from government leaders, especially during difficult times like this.

Taken from DILG Official Facebook Page.

You’d think by now, public officials would know that communication isn’t just about relaying information—it’s about tone, timing, and connection. In the BPO industry where I used to work, empathy was non-negotiable. If someone said they were struggling, we didn’t shrug it off or joke about it. We listened, we reassured, and we helped them find a way forward. That’s basic customer service. Why is it too much to ask the same from public servants?

"These statements do not reflect the gravity of the situation. Lives are at risk. Homes are submerged. Families are displaced. Trying to be funny in a moment like this reflects a lack of empathy and responsibility. Government communication should inform, protect, and uplift—not downplay danger or treat suffering as entertainment." - FROM BIEN Pilipinas

A Reality Check for Leadership

To Secretary Remulla—sir, with all due respect, this isn’t the time for jokes or dry wit. Filipinos are drenched, displaced, and drained. What they need is leadership that’s grounded, compassionate, and responsive. Step out of the air-conditioned office, walk a mile in wet socks like the rest of us, and maybe then the words will come out right.

At the end of the day, people can handle the rain. We’ve done it all our lives. But what we shouldn’t have to keep enduring is the disconnect from those in power.

And just a thought—next time you post an update during a typhoon, maybe skip the punchline. We already have enough water in the streets… we don’t need to add salt to the flood.