By Brian Campued
Cavite Gov. Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla Jr. is more than qualified to handle the challenges that one of the government’s most important posts will bring, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Tuesday.
In a statement following the oath-taking of Remulla as the new secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Malacañang, Marcos underscored the Cavite governor’s extensive experience in local governance.
“For almost 30 years, he has been in the trenches of local governance, from board member to vice governor, and now governor,” the President said.
“I do not have to spell out my marching orders to him because as a boot on the ground he knows what to do and how best to do it, the most important of which are keeping our people safe in their homes and making our local governments dynamic frontliners of service,” he added.
Remulla will take over the reins of the Department from Benjamin Abalos Jr., who submitted his Certificate of Candidacy for senator on Oct. 7, under the administration slate.
In a statement on his latest appointment, the new DILG chief said he will continue his advocacy of strengthening local governance and the police force in the country.
“Ito po ay aking buong pusong tinanggap upang makatulong ’di lamang sa ating lalawigan kundi para na din sa buong Pilipinas,” Remulla said.
“Ito po ay hindi makakamit sa puro salita lamang o ’yong pang-aaway nang walang hanggan. This can only be done through consensus building, community empowerment, and enhancing civic responsibility,” he added.
Vice Governor Athena Tolentino succeeded Remulla as the new—and the first female—governor of Cavite. —iro