Coronavirus infection and quarantine restrictions prevented 9 mayors from leading in their areas during the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses (Vamco).

This was announced by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año in a Cabinet briefing on Friday morning, November 13.

Año reported that 1,047 areas were affected by Ulysses. Of these, 1,038 had their local chief executives taking charge. In the remaining 9, other officials had to take the lead.

The DILG secretary was quick to clarify, however, that the 9 mayors were “accounted for.”

“Some were hit by COVID, others are in quarantine. They are all accounted for,” Año said.

The DILG did not release a list of names.

Failing to lead during crises, like calamities, could result in administrative complaints from the DILG. These complaints can cause the suspension and even dismissal of local officials from office. – Rappler.com