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The incumbent Cavite governor withdraws a re-election bid to join his brother, the current justice chief, in the Marcos Cabinet
MANILA, Philippines — Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla Jr., long-time governor of Cavite, is President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s pick to head the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), it was confirmed on Monday, October 7.
Remulla, who would have been eligible for one more three-year term as governor, withdrew his certificate of candidacy on Monday.
Remulla confirmed to Rappler that he would taking his oath in Malacañang at 9 am on Tuesday, October 8. His brother, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, also confirmed Jonvic had been told of his appointment as DILG secretary.
The governor replaces Benhur Abalos, Marcos’ first DILG chief who is seeking a Senate seat in 2025.
In withdrawing his reelection bid governor, Remulla joins another long-time Cavite politician in the Marcos Cabinet. His older brother, Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, has been Marcos’ justice secretary since his administration began in June 2022.
In 2022, right after winning as Cavite 7th District Representative, Boying had to give up his congressional seat to become part of the Marcos administration. Today, the older Remulla is among Marcos’ most trusted in the Cabinet, different sources — from the current administration and outside — had previously indicated to Rappler.
Another Remulla sibling, former congressman and TV personality Gilbert Remulla, is also a Marcos appointee. He is part of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s board of directors.
Jonvic Remulla’s appointment would be the first in recent Malacañang history for siblings to be members of the Cabinet at the same time. Two administrations ago, under the late Benigno Aquino III, a father and daughter served as Cabinet members: budget secretary Butch Abad and Presidential Management Staff secretary Julia Abad.
In a message to Rappler, Jonvic Remulla said he hopes his appointment as DILG chief “is based on competence, merit, and trust.”
The outgoing Cavite governor defended the burgeoning Remulla “dynasty” in the Cabinet by pointing out that his older brother “has proven his competency in the last 2.5 years.”
“I bring almost 30 years of local government experience to the table. I have been recognized numerous times for my excellence in governance,” he added.
Remulla has spent all his political life in Cavite — as provincial legislator, then acting governor, vice governor, then governor again.
The DILG appointment would be his first national position. The DILG has supervision over numerous agencies and bureaus, including the Philippine National Police. It also has supervision over all the local government units in the Philippines.
During the administration of Joseph Estrada, Jonvic’s father and namesake, former Cavite governor Juanito Remulla, served as presidential adviser on local government affairs. – Rappler.com
