Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said he is considering the possibility of running for a higher position, but stressed that no final decision has been made.
In an interview on the radio program Dos Por Dos, Remulla said several factors must still be weighed before he decides whether to seek higher office, including a potential presidential bid.
“Maraming factors pa 'yan. Number one, kung tatanggapin ba ng mga tao ang aking mga ideya para sa mga darating na panahon para sa bansa, o ako ba ang tamang tao,” Remulla said.
The DILG chief said he already has a clear understanding of what needs to be done for the country, including whom he should work with and who should be removed from positions, drawing from lessons he has learned in public service. However, he emphasized that his current focus remains on his duties as Interior secretary.
“Pero saka na 'yung kinabukasan, ngayon muna,” he added.
Remulla reiterated that while the idea of running for higher office is on his mind, any decision will depend on public acceptance and the country’s needs at the right time.
Before his appointment as DILG Secretary, Remulla served multiple terms as Governor of Cavite, focusing on local governance, infrastructure, and development projects. He also held the position of Vice Governor of Cavite earlier in his political career.
Coming from a prominent political family in Cavite, Remulla has long been involved in both provincial and national politics, which paved the way for his current cabinet role under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
'De facto martial law' dismissed
Meanwhile, Remulla dismissed claims that the country is under “de facto martial law,” following remarks made by a lawmaker suggesting that critics of the government are being silenced.
“Araw-araw, libo-libong troll lang lumalabas-laban kay Presidente. Hindi naman namin pinapansin diba. So de facto martial law, pwede bang gano'n?” Remulla said, noting that criticism of President Marcos Jr., the First Lady, and government officials continues daily on social media without consequences.
“Walang tigil yan sa social media. Pero hindi na nabibisa, hindi pinapansin, wala ngang kinakasuhan. Kasama sa ano yan, kasama sa demokrasya yan,” he added.
Asked about the increasing attacks and disinformation on social media as the 2028 elections approach, Remulla said the situation is expected to worsen.
“It's only going to get worse. Pasama nang pasama ito habang malapit ang 2028. Kaya kung hindi mo kayang ngayon pa lang na hindi pa kumukulo. Pag kumukulo ka na, kung kumukulo na lahat yan, hindi mo kakayanan talaga`.”
Remulla also said he is not concerned that his association with the President could negatively affect his political prospects, despite current approval ratings.
“I don't think so. Una ang tingin ko in the next few months, gaganda ang rating ng Presidente,” he said, expressing confidence that the President’s ratings will improve in the coming months as economic conditions improve and government programs are rolled out. He cited declines in self-rated poverty and cost of living as signs that the country is “on the right path.”
