Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced on Friday his intention to return to local politics in Cavite for the 2028 elections, admitting that his current Cabinet role has been “exhausting.”
Speaking at the Kapihan ng Samahang Plaridel, the former governor expressed a deep longing for his home province, signaling a shift away from national ambitions for the time being.
“I miss home. This job is exhausting. My heart is set on going back to Cavite. We will cross the bridge when we get there,” Remulla said.
While Remulla had previously hinted at a potential presidential bid—contingent on an endorsement from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.—he appears to be stepping back following Vice President Sara Duterte’s formal declaration of her candidacy last February.
The Secretary acknowledged that he faces a significant “perception gap” among the electorate, noting that many still view him through a lens of privilege.
“I still have a wide perception gap na kailangan ko i-bridge. Iba pagkakaintindi nila sa akin. Maybe there are other people that they think are more ready for the job. Tingin nila sa akin kasi burgis, elitista,” he explained.
Despite these labels, Remulla defended his track record, asserting his ability to transform the organizations he leads.
“What they don’t understand is that every single institution I’ve entered, I’ve always made it better,” he maintained.
Current data suggests a steep climb for the DILG chief on the national stage. In a recent Pulse Asia survey commissioned by the Office of Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, Remulla registered a 1% voter preference, trailing significantly behind frontrunners Vice President Duterte, Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, and Senator Raffy Tulfo.