Jamayka Rhose Pascual

Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla has stepped down as the Cavite governor after being appointed as the new Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary.

Photo Courtesy of Philippine News Agency/DILG.

Remulla was appointed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on October 8, replacing Benhur Abalos, who resigned to run as a senator in the 2025 midterm elections.

“Clearly, Governor Jonvic is more than qualified to handle the challenges of one of the government’s most important jobs,” Marcos said in a statement.

The president also highlighted Remulla’s 30-year career in local government, where he served as board member, vice governor, and governor, implementing initiatives that improved infrastructure, education, and law enforcement in Cavite.

“In every position, his people gifted him with an overwhelming mandate for a job well done. He repaid the people’s trust with hard work and honest service,” Marcos said.

In a social media post, Remulla expressed his readiness to take on the challenges as the new DILG secretary.

“Ito po ay aking buong pusong tinatanggap upang makatulong di lamang sa ating lalawigan kundu para na din sa buong Pilipinas,” he stated.

Remulla emphasized that strengthening local government units and police forces has been his long-standing advocacy.

“Ang aking adhikain mula noon ay ang ipagtibay ang kakayahan ng lokal na pamahalaan at kapulisan para maging pantay ang karapatan ng lahat at tungo sa mas mabuting kinabukasan,” he added.

Remulla also reflected on the improvements in Cavite he left behind, such as the “largest state university system for a province,” which serves nearly 100,000 students.

“I think I will leave the province much better than when I first came in,” he said

Cavite Vice Governor Athena Tolentino is set to replace Remulla, taking over leadership of the Cavite.