QUEZON CITY – Newly appointed Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla has committed to advocating for legislative changes aimed at reforming the organizational structure of the Philippine National Police (PNP), which he described as “top-heavy.”
According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Remulla, who succeeded former chief Benjamin Abalos Jr., highlighted the need for a streamlined hierarchy within the PNP during his first media interview following the official turnover at the DILG main office. “I think we have to flatten it a little bit. There are so many generals, so many layers. I think we need to do with less,” he remarked.
The call for reform comes after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vetoed a previous measure last July that sought similar organizational changes within the PNP. The President had cited concerns over the bill creating pay disparities among police cadets and leading to functional redundancies and overlapping roles due to ambiguously defined new offices.
Remulla expressed his admiration for PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, who opposed the bill despite potential personal benefits, favoring a more effective and realistic approach to reform. “I think it was a defective law from the start, and I think we should craft a newer, more responsive and more realistic law,” Remulla added.
In addition to structural reforms, Remulla aims to establish a merit-based system for officer promotions to eliminate the culture of patronage, an issue he has addressed during his tenure as governor of Cavite. “Ang nangyayari kasi ngayon palakasan di ba, and I have tried my best in my province na walang palakasan doon, and I want to institute that,” he explained.
Furthermore, Remulla emphasized his commitment to upholding three key principles in his new role: integrity, punctuality, and accountability. He commended the current administration’s approach to handling the illegal drug campaign, noting the significant increase in drug seizures and a decrease in extrajudicial killings compared to previous measures, which he believes align more closely with lawful and human rights-respecting practices.
The DILG chief also praised his predecessor, Abalos, for his contributions and integrity, acknowledging the high standards set during the latter’s tenure. “I stand now on the shoulders of a giant in local governance, Secretary Benhur Abalos…your integrity is unmeasurable. You leave me with a very tall task of following in your footsteps. I hope to be equal and I hope too, to make you proud of what we do, Sir,” Remulla stated.
With his appointment, Remulla joins his brother, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, in the Cabinet, overseeing local government operations nationwide along with the supervision of the PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.