Jonvic is new DILG chief, says brother Remulla

Cavite Gov. Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla

MANILA, Philippines — Cavite Gov. Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla is set to take his oath on Tuesday as the new head of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), according to his older brother, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

The governor will succeed outgoing Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, who launched his senatorial bid by filing his certificate of candidacy (COC) on Monday, the head of the Department of Justice said.

There was no immediate confirmation from Malacañang about the appointment.

In a chance interview on Monday, the older Remulla said his brother’s appointment could “improve” the justice system, noting that they were like-minded people who “only want the best for our country.”

“We don’t have any other motive,” the justice secretary said.

Collaboration

One potential area of collaboration between the two departments to be led by the brothers would be through the Justice Sector Coordinating Council, which also includes the Supreme Court, according to the older Remulla.

“The commitments can be made instantly because the two of us can always talk about what has to be done. It is better to have coordination,” he said.

He also highlighted another potential “positive effect” of his brother’s appointment, which was the accelerated training for police and prosecutors in handling investigations.