President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. holds a post-state visit press conference in Tokyo, Japan on May 29, 2026. (PPA)
Perhaps somebody is eyeing the position of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, President Marcos said, as rumors circulated that the President had allegedly lost confidence in him.
Marcos said "yes" when asked during a press conference in Tokyo, Japan, whether he remains satisfied with Remulla's performance, given the string of failed arrests of fugitives of justice under his watch.
"I don't know why that rumor went around. I think somebody wants his job," Marcos said in a post-state visit press briefing on Friday, May 29.
He further said that there is no plan to replace Remulla.
"Kaya kinakalat na matatanggal na siya para siguro ang inaasahan nila, sila yung mailagay. Pero wala kaming pinaplano na ganyan (That is why they are spreading rumors that he is about to be removed, perhaps because they expect that they will be appointed to the position. But we have no such plans)," Marcos said.
The President clarified that the only change in his Cabinet so far was the recent appointment of former senator Francis Tolentino as the new secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
"The only latest change in the Cabinet was in DOLE. Because Secretary Benny has asked to take a step back. He has some issues that he has to deal with. And so, we have appointed a new Cabinet secretary for DOLE, which is former Senator Francis Tolentino," he said.