LIPA CITY – The controversial vice mayor of Talisay town of Batangas, who went viral for his criticism on the “sensationalized” and “ungodly” prediction of state volcanologists on Taal Volcano, could be sanctioned for his statements, an official of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Tuesday.
Elias Fernandez, director of the DILG-CALABARZON (Cavite, Lagunas, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon), explained that the statements of Talisay Vice Mayor Charlie Natanauan is unbecoming of a public servant.
“He is a public official and he is accountable for his statements,” said Fernandez in a press briefing here.
Natanauan was earlier quoted saying that the prediction of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology (Phivolcs) has been causing trouble among his constituents.
In an interview over dzMM, Natanauan said that Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum is not God to predict when the Taal Volcano would erupt.
Natanauan made the statement as he appeals for his constituents to go back to their area to at least clean their houses and backyards which were buried in thick ashes.
Fernandez said that they will be conducting investigation on the possible liability of Natanauan, which was made amid the ongoing forced evacuation within the 14-kilometer danger zone over fears of base surge that could reach the mainland near the Taal Volcano.
“We are aware of it,” said Fernandez when asked to comment on Natanauan’s statements.
“Just ignore him,” he added.
Natanauan’s statement went viral as netizens saw his reasoning funny.
Some netizens, however, criticized him for debunking scientific data over his personal belief.
“We will look into that, and if possible if we can file a case against him,” said Fernandez. (Aaron Recuenco)
