President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presides over the oath-taking of newly-installed DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla. Handout photo

MANILA — Newly-installed Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said that he will personally ensure that all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations will cease operating in the Philippines by December this year, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s nationwide ban on POGOs.

In a media interview, Remulla says he will visit every POGO facility in the country and padlock their premises, beginning with the POGO hub currently operating in Island Cove, their family’s former resort property in Cavite.

“That will be the first one to be closed. And correction, it’s not ours. It was our property, but it’s not ours today. That will be the first one to close, just to show a proof of sincerity that I will start with my province and make sure that it is closed,” Remulla said in a media interview in Pasay City.

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Remulla had repeatedly denied allegation that he and his family had been protectors of POGOs, even offering a P10 million reward to anyone who could prove their ties in the operations of the POGO hub in Island Cove. He explained that the property was sold by their family in 2018.

Remulla, who took his oath as the new SILG Tuesday morning, said that he accepted the position over his earlier plan to seek re-election as Cavite governor because he cannot refuse the President.

“I actually filed Tuesday, 10 o’clock a.m. But I got a call Friday and I was informed that he asked me to be the new Secretary of Interior. When the President asked, you cannot refuse, you must serve. And it’s been on my mind what reforms need to be done,” he said.

“I’ve been in local government for 29 years and I’ve seen everything from crooked cops to good cops to good officials to bad officials. And I think I know what the reforms and what forward paths should be taken.”

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As interior chief, Remulla said he has been instructed by the President “to create recommendations for a more effective and cohesive police force, as well as structural changes and personnel changes necessary” to ensure the successful conduct of the 2025 midterm polls.

“Number two, he also asked to review the structure and the personnel of NAPOLCOM on what needs to be done in order to make it more neutral and more cohesive also in addressing the concerns of the police force,” he said.

“Number three is ensuring the safety of all the candidates for the 2025 elections. That’s primarily on his mind.”

Remulla says he is also looking into establishing a “system of reporting” much like a national 911 system in the Philippines.

“What we have now is a mishmash of one city and one municipality having different systems. So we want to create an integrated approach into reporting incidences all over the country. And we’re going to start with the terms of reference tomorrow and we hope to bid it out by June next year when the new term starts,” he said.

Remulla, meanwhile, addressed concerns about him serving at the Cabinet at the same time with his older brother, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla.

“A lot of you will question about my brother and I being in the Cabinet at the same time. But I think it is not a question of whether we are brothers, but whether we are competent enough for the job. And I think we bring to the table different skill sets and I think local government is my forte,” he said.

“I chose this position because I know that I can make a difference and I have the trust and confidence of the President to pursue such difficulties.”

CAVITE GUBERNATORIAL RACE 

Remulla's nephew, Cavite 7th district board member Francisco Gabriel “Abeng” Remulla, submitted his certificate of candidacy for governor of the province. 

Abeng is the son of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

Second District Board Member Ramon Vicente “Ram” Revilla filed his certificate of candidacy for vice governor as Abeng’s running-mate. 

Board member Remulla and Revilla said they would continue the projects initiated by Sec. Remulla for Cavite. 

"I’ve dreamed my whole life for this, I believe that we’ve been prepared correctly. We have a great support system and I have my uncle and dad to guide us, support us," said Remulla.

"Ipagpapatuloy lang po namin ang progreso like what my family  has done in the past. Abeng and I are ready for this position. Our parents are there to mentor us whatever happens, the future is bright for the Cavite and the next generation is here," said Revilla.

Revilla addressed criticisms against their family's political dynasty in Cavite.

He is the son of Sen. Bong Revilla and Cavite Second District Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla.

“At the end of the day, it’s the people who vote, kung hindi po kami nagdedeliver sa mga tao eh bakit pa rin kami nandito di ba?” he said. 

In Imus City, incumbent Rep. Adrian Jay “AJ” Advincula will run again as the representative of the third district.

Advincula said he would continue infrastructure projects, medical assistance, and programs for the youth.

“Feeling ko ngayon mas magiging mas sectoral kami ,mas marami kami sectors na gusto i-tap,” he said.

His father, incumbent mayor Alex Advincula, will also run again for mayor of Imus City.