BY HIS OWN admission, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla is keen on the idea of ruling the country when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. finally steps down in 2028.
But whether or not he becomes a President is all up to him.
In fairness, Jonvic seemed very determined — hyped media exposure on controversial issues like the flood-control scandal, the hunt for fugitives Zaldy Co, Atong Ang, etcetera.
Very recently, Jonvic pulled off a huge PR stunt portraying himself more like a leader — far from the trapo image that his family is known for.
True enough, he became an instant “celebrity.”
Issuing DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2026-006 banning the display of names, photos, and likenesses of public officials on government projects, made him look good.
But taking a closer look at who he really is, Jonvic’s supposed transformation seemed politically charged.
Surfing on the social media, I read a post delving into MC OO6-2026. On paper, it looks bold. In law, it is solid. In principle, it is correct.
In reality, it’s is not about issuing a memo. It’s a question whether or not he could compel the elective officials to comply.
It’s also a question whether or not the bureaus under him would implement his order.
Will the local cops be bold enough to at the very least reprimand the governor, congressman, or the mayor for displaying their faces on tarpaulins, buildings and other locally-funded projects?
For one, the police, the fire service, and local DILG offices are operating daily under the shadow of mayors, governors, and congressmen.
To be perfectly candid, there’s nothing wrong with Jonvic’s memo which embarks on legal foundations — the 1987 Constitution, RA 6713, COA rules and the General Appropriations Act.
There’s just one glitch. Being politically charged doesn’t mean he has the political will.
Colliding head on with governors, congressmen and mayors may spell a political disaster even before he finally makes a formal announcement — a presidential bid.
He does not have the political will. His circular will quietly die because that how PR stunts are designed.