House Speaker Martin Romualdez (left), DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla (Facebook)

Ranking congressmen headed by House Speaker Martin Romualdez congratulated Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla on his appointment as the new Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary. 

"We are happy with Gov. Jonvic’s appointment as DILG Secretary," Romualdez said in a statement Tuesday morning, Oct. 8. 

"Gov. Jonvic’s deep understanding of local issues, combined with his dedication to public service, will greatly benefit our LGUs nationwide. He knows what it takes to elevate local governance and to create a safe and secure environment for all Filipinos," added Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district representative and president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party. 

The DILG post was vacated on Monday following erstwhile secretary Benhur Abalos' filing of his certificate of candidacy (COC) for senator in the May 2025 mid-term elections. 

Speaker Romualdez says that Remulla's years of service as a local government official make him exceptionally qualified for the position. 

He noted that Remulla’s hands-on experience in managing one of the largest and most progressive provinces in the country equips him with the skills and insights needed to lead the DILG. 

The Leyte lawmaker also highlighted Remulla's focus on peace and order, which has been a significant aspect of his leadership in Cavite. Romualdez expressed confidence that Remulla’s approach to maintaining security and stability will resonate well in his new role as DILG Secretary. 

Romualdez also assured Remulla that he has the "full support" of the House of Representatives. 

"Malaki ang ating tiwala na sa pamumuno ni Gov. Jonvic Remulla sa DILG, patuloy nating mapapaunlad ang ating mga lokal na pamahalaan," the Speaker underscored. 

(I have strong belief that under the leadership of Gov. Jonvic Remulla at the DILG, we will continue to foster progress in our local government units.) 

House quad-committee overall chairman, Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers hailed President Marcos' decision for picking Remulla as Abalos' successor at DILG. 

"Janvic Remulla has spent almost 30 years of his political life in Cavite--as provincial legislator, acting governor, vice-governor, and then governor again--and for these reasons, he certainly is fit for the job," Barbers said in a separate statement. 

"His wealth of experience and competency in local governance could prove that he could very well run the agency, to face and handle all the challenges that lie ahead of him as SILG (Secretary of the Interior and Local Government)," said the Mindanao solon. 

"As a former governor and currently congressman of Surigao del Norte, I urge all of the country’s local chief executives--governors, mayors, barangay captains and their respective local councils--to extend their all-out support to the new DILG secretary," Barbers further said.