The ad-interim appointment of former Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla as Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) was confirmed today by the Commission on Appointments (CA) headed by Senate President Francis Escudero.

The newly-confirmed Secretary said that from handling one province alone with its constituent local government units, he will now oversee all LGUs, including thousands of policemen, firemen, and a host of other employees from under different agencies.

“All my life, I have been in local government, and I have seen the ins and outs of what it takes to run a province. It is a big challenge, but I think I am up to the task and ready to serve,” he said.

Remulla faced the CA Committee of the Interior and Local Government, chaired by Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, tackling issues on local autonomy, Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, Philippine National Police restructuring, and travel authority of local chief executives (LCEs), among others.

During the CA plenary session, Zubiri expressed his support for Remulla, crediting the former Cavite governor for the province’s responsive local government units and best-equipped police force. “We expect him to bring the same energy, ingenuity, industry, dedication, and passion to this new role,” he said.

Meanwhile , CA Vice Chairperson, Representative Ramon Guico, Jr. said Remulla is the best candidate for the position. “His outstanding tenure as governor of Cavite highlights his ability to implement meaningful reforms, promote disaster resilience and foster strong local governance,” he said.

Meanwhile, fellow Caviteño and CA member Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. shared their rich political history. “Cavite’s loss is the nation’s great gain. Kilala si Jonvic sa pagiging tapat sa bayan, tapat sa usapan. Ito marahil ang nakapukaw sa atensyon ng Presidente para siya ay pagkatiwalaan sa napakahalagang katungkulan,” he said.

Rep. Roy Loyola of Cavite said his prompt decision during calamities and practical governance initiatives have not only made Secretary Jonvic well-loved in Cavite, but have also earned him the title “Pambansang tagasuspinde ng klase” as he is affectionately called by Caviteños. Cavite became a beacon of governance and economic growth, and now he stands ready to bring this momentum to the national stage,’ he said.

In his message of support, Rep. Albert Garcia of Bataan said that Remulla is soft-spoken but firm, with the uncanny ability to cut through the noise and get straight to the heart of any issue. “That clarity and focus are rare in public service and it’s what makes him such an effective leader,” he said.