CA approves Jonvic Remulla’s appointment as DILG chief

Former Cavite Gov. Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla during the hearing on his confirmation as secretary of the Department of Interior and the Local Government (DILG) at the Senate on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. Remulla, a brother of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, replaced former DILG chief Benjamin Abalos Jr., who resigned to run for senator in the May 2025 elections. Photo screen grab from the Senate of the Philippines’ official YouTube page

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday confirmed the ad interim appointment of former Cavite Gov. Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla as secretary of the Department of Interior and the Local Government (DILG).

No member of the CA voted against the designation of Remulla as DILG chief.

During the plenary session, former Senate president Juan Miguel Zubiri welcomed Remulla’s appointment as he recognized the latter’s plans for the DILG. These are:

• Enhancing efficiency and public service delivery through the digitalization of local government units
• Expanding the unified 911 emergency response system to provide efficient emergency services for all Filipinos
• Introducing organizational reforms within the Philippine National Police
• Ensuring peaceful elections in 2025 for candidates and voters alike

For her part, Senator Loren Legarda — who is among those who seconded Zubiri’s motion to confirm the recommendation — highlighted Remulla’s record of public service.

“With over 23 years of experience in government as an elected official, he has held leadership positions that required not just technical expertise, but also vision and compassion,” Legarda said.

“His vision to digitize local government units is well-aligned with the global shift toward modernization, efficiency, and transparency in governance,” she added.

Likewise, Senator Joel Villanueva recognized Cavite’s achievements under Remulla’s leadership.

“Cavite has become one of the most business-friendly provinces in the country, with advancements in education, health, social services, and infrastructure,” he said.

“His innovative programs, such as the Wireless Access Program on Governance or WAPOG, providing free internet service to students, and his commitment to ensuring peace and order and effective disaster management, have set a high standard for local governance,” he added.

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On October 8, the Palace announced Remulla’s appointment as the new head of the DILG.

Remulla, brother of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, replaced former DILG chief Benjamin Abalos Jr., who resigned to run for senator in the May 2025 elections.

In Zubiri’s manifestation, he revealed that Remulla earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of the Philippines Diliman.

The DILG chief also started public service at 27 and became a board member of the Cavite’s 2nd District from 1995 to 1998 before becoming a three-term vice governor of the province from 1998 to 2007.

After this, Remulla served as the province’s governor from 2010 to 2016, and from 2019 to October this year.