DILG reviews travel policies for officials after SK junket issue

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is reviewing its policies on government-funded travel for local government officials following public backlash.

This review was prompted by a recent controversy involving Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) members from Manila who traveled to Thailand for supposed "capacity development" and "international benchmarking" activities, which were criticized as a "junket."

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that the department plans to issue a memorandum circular to clarify the rules, emphasizing that all government-funded travel must serve a legitimate purpose.

Remulla also indicated that the circular would specify the required clearances for such trips and reassess the language regarding the sources of travel funds.

He expressed personal skepticism about the necessity of overseas training programs for local officials, recalling his own experience as governor where he did not approve such trips.

Remulla also noted his surprise at the SK members' open display of their trip on social media, calling it part of a culture of trying to impress others.