Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said he is open to the possibility of running for president in the 2028 elections and potentially becoming the administration’s standard-bearer under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
In an interview on Monday, December 22, Remulla said he is not yet fully certain about seeking the presidency, noting that key factors would include the support of his wife and the nature of the electoral contest.
“First, my wife, if she totally agrees. Number two, for me, the country, it has to be solidly behind a dichotomy of candidates. It has to be a ‘one-on-one fight.’ It can be (DPWH Sec.) Vince (Dizon), it can be (Sen.) Chiz (Escudero), but it has to be a ‘one-on-one,’” Remulla said.
He explained that a one-on-one race would allow Filipinos to clearly choose between contrasting styles of leadership and governance.
“Whoever it is, it should be a ‘one-on-one fight.’ I think it should be a dichotomy, the Philippines should have to choose between one version of how to govern and one version with the truth. The Philippines has to choose a common future that they think is believable. And they have to show a contrast between the two candidates,” he added.
Remulla has a long political career in Cavite, having served as board member of the province’s second district in 1995, vice governor from 1998 to 2007, and governor from 2010 to 2016 and again from 2019 to 2024.
He was appointed DILG Secretary in October 2024, replacing former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, who ran for the Senate in the 2025 midterm elections.