New DILG chief Remulla to propose PNP ‘structural changes’

MANILA, Philippines — Newly appointed Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla on Tuesday said he will recommend “structural changes” in the national police force to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.

Remulla did not specify the changes he was referring to but clarified that they do not pertain to leadership.

“It’s always the police force. The police force is composed of a lot of very fine professionals, but there is also a lot of competition and politics inside, and that has to be addressed,” Remulla said when asked about the biggest challenges he may face in the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“I will make recommendations on structural changes to the police force, but it’s the president’s call at the end,” he said.

“I think we need to streamline the organization. I think that there are many superfluous positions in the institution,” he added.

Further asked if there is a need for a change in leadership in the PNP, he replied: “Not necessarily. As a matter of course, leadership changes in the PNP every year. Because of retirement. So that’s the least of our worries.”

“The PNP is a living institution that must grow and must adapt in order to survive in this new world,” he also said.

Remulla took his oath as DILG chief before Marcos Tuesday.  He replaced Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr., who is vying for a Senate seat in the 2025 midterm elections.