Marcos: No plan to sack DILG chief Jonvic Remulla 

MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Friday, May 29, that he has no plan to replace Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla amid speculations that the Cabinet official is on the way out. 

Marcos made the statement in response to questions during an interview with the Philippine media in Tokyo, Japan, at the end of his state visit.

Asked whether he was still satisfied with Remulla’s performance amid criticism of the DILG chief’s failure to secure the arrest of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Marcos said, “Yes.”

“I don’t know why that rumor went around. I think somebody wants his job. Kaya ‘kinakalat na matatanggal na siya para siguro ang inaasahan nila sila ‘yung mailagay. Pero wala kaming pinaplano na ganyan,” he added.

(I don’t know why that rumor went around. I think somebody wants his job. They are spreading rumors that he will be sacked because they are hoping to get his job. But we don’t have any such plan.)

Dela Rosa has been in hiding following an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for his arrest for crimes against humanity charges. The charges stem from the drug war of Rodrigo Duterte, whom he had served as police chief.

More defeated 2025 candidates may be appointed

Marcos noted that the latest change in his Cabinet is the appointment of new Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino, another Caviteño like Remulla, but this was prompted by the resignation of Bienvenido Laguesma, who “has asked to take a step back.”

Laguesma had said that he had to step down as labor chief to focus on his health.

Tolentino ran under the administration ticket in the 2025 Senate race but lost. The one-year appointment ban for those who lost lapsed on May 13.

When asked, Marcos said it was “possible” that he would appoint other losing candidates in the coming days, and not necessarily just defeated senatorial bets. Among the other administration senatorial candidates who did not make it are Benhur Abalos, Abby Binay, and Manny Pacquiao.

“Possibly, possibly…. Marami namang magagaling diyan (There are many good people there). I’m not talking [about] just the senatorial candidates. Maraming iba na tumakbo for whatever position na sa palagay ko magagaling at makakapag-contribute sa pamahalaan (There are many who ran for whatever position who I think are competent and can contribute to the government).

“So, don’t be surprised if we start – we get more appointments from those candidates who ran in the last election who didn’t make it. Sayang naman (We don’t want their [talents] to go to waste). We have to get the best talent that we can.” – Rappler.com

المصدر: Rappler (PH)