Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla called on members of the diplomatic corps to share the story of a Bagong Pilipinas, one that is restoring trust, ensuring public safety, and delivering a government truly deserving of the Filipino people.

“I only hope you will give a kind word to your countrymen about what the Philippines is all about. It’s about 110 million Filipinos generally kind, obedient, serving, hospitable… We are a nation of caregivers and people who actually do care for each other. We are a great country and we are about to be greater,” Remulla said during the Consular Corps 8th General Membership Meeting in Makati.

Addressing ambassadors, consuls, and honorary envoys, the DILG Chief acknowledged the country’s challenges while presenting the reforms already underway under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. “I’m here to tell you that crime really is down, the drug war is working, and the streets are safer,” he stressed.

He underscored the President’s clear directive to root out corruption, hold the guilty accountable, and ensure that public funds benefit the people. “Ladies and gentlemen, the Philippines is in good hands. We have a very capable and very dedicated President. And the Cabinet is here behind him. If people serve with clarity and sincerity of purpose, then people see that there is a chance that they will get the government that they deserve.”

Among the key reforms he highlighted were the recalibrated anti-drug campaign which intercepted nearly 6 tons of methamphetamine in under a year, the nationwide rollout of a unified 911 emergency response system, and the fast-tracked installation of 30,000 additional telecom towers to strengthen digital connectivity and emergency response capacity across more than 7,000 islands.

But Remulla emphasized that progress must be felt most by ordinary working Filipinos. “We have to give a government that the people deserve. We have to give a government that the people think should be befitting of the taxes that come out when they look at their paycheck.”

He urged the consular corps to become advocates of a transforming Philippines, one that is rebuilding from the ground up with transparency, humility, and decisive action. “The Philippines is about to be greater,” Remulla affirmed.

Original Article At: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/The-Government-the-People-Deserve-DILG-Chief-Calls-on-Diplomats-to-Be-Partners-in-National-Renewal/NC-2025-1166