Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Thursday said that public office demands fidelity to duty and the equal application of the law, even when enforcement involves close friends and long-time associates.

In a press briefing, Remulla stressed that personal relationships cannot override responsibility to the country. “Sino sa inyo may kaibigan na nakulong? It pains me to see a friend go to jail but my commitment to country goes beyond friendship.”

He emphasized that national interest must always prevail. “Uunahin natin ang bansa. We have our fidelity to duty and it cannot be broken by friendship and by brotherhood.”

“It is our commitment to country. It is our commitment to the President, it is our commitment to our job,” he added.

Remulla also said that former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. and six others are currently housed in separate cells as part of the mandatory seven-day quarantine required for all newly admitted inmates to check for infectious diseases. “So after the 7 days, they will be incorporated in the general population.”

The DILG stressed that Revilla is a regular inmate and is wearing standard BJMP-issued clothing. “He’s a regular inmate in Payatas City Jail. Just to be clear.”

Remulla said jail rules are being strictly enforced, including restrictions on food deliveries, cooking, and gadget use. “Bawal rin po ang gadget. Wala siyang gadget na hawak doon. Wala siyang cellphone, wala siyang iPad, wala siyang personal computer.” He noted that limited gadget use is allowed only during legal consultations.

The DILG reiterated that no special treatment is being given, stressing that the law applies equally to all. “Ang privileges ng senator ay pareho sa privileges ng shoplifter. Pareho lang.”Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Thursday said that public office demands fidelity to duty and the equal application of the law, even when enforcement involves close friends and long-time associates.

In a press briefing, Remulla stressed that personal relationships cannot override responsibility to the country. “Sino sa inyo may kaibigan na nakulong? It pains me to see a friend go to jail but my commitment to country goes beyond friendship.”

He emphasized that national interest must always prevail. “Uunahin natin ang bansa. We have our fidelity to duty and it cannot be broken by friendship and by brotherhood.”

“It is our commitment to country. It is our commitment to the President, it is our commitment to our job,” he added.

Remulla also said that former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. and six others are currently housed in separate cells as part of the mandatory seven-day quarantine required for all newly admitted inmates to check for infectious diseases. “So after the 7 days, they will be incorporated in the general population.”

The DILG stressed that Revilla is a regular inmate and is wearing standard BJMP-issued clothing. “He’s a regular inmate in Payatas City Jail. Just to be clear.”

Remulla said jail rules are being strictly enforced, including restrictions on food deliveries, cooking, and gadget use. “Bawal rin po ang gadget. Wala siyang gadget na hawak doon. Wala siyang cellphone, wala siyang iPad, wala siyang personal computer.” He noted that limited gadget use is allowed only during legal consultations.

The DILG reiterated that no special treatment is being given, stressing that the law applies equally to all. “Ang privileges ng senator ay pareho sa privileges ng shoplifter. Pareho lang.”