The newly appointed Minister of the Interior, Jovic Remulla, stated that he will personally ensure that all Philippine offshore gaming operations cease in the Philippines by December this year, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s nationwide ban on offshore gaming.
In an interview with the media, Remulla said he will visit all offshore gaming facilities in the country and shut them down, starting with the offshore gaming center currently operating at Island Cove, which was an old resort property of their family in Cavite province. "That will be the first to be shut down. To correct that, it's not ours. It used to be our property, but not anymore. That will be the first to be shut down, just to show sincerity, I will start from my province to ensure it is closed," Remulla said during a media interview in Pasay City.
"POGO Politics": The mayor of Tarlac town is suspected of having ties with China, raising concerns in Solon
Remulla has repeatedly denied accusations that he and his family are protectors of POGOs, even offering a reward of 10 million pesos to anyone who can prove their involvement with the operation of the Island Cove POGO center. He explained that the property was sold by their family in 2018.
Remulla was sworn in as the new SILG on Tuesday morning, stating that he accepted the position, not the earlier plan to seek re-election as governor of Cavite province, because he could not refuse the president.
"I actually submitted at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. But I received a call on Friday, being told he invited me to be the new Minister of the Interior. When the president asks, you cannot refuse, you must serve. I have been thinking about what reforms need to be made," he said.
"I have worked in local government for 29 years, seen all sorts of situations, from corrupt police to good police, from good officials to bad officials. I think I know what reforms should be made, what paths should be taken forward." As Minister of the Interior, Remulla stated that the president instructed him to "make recommendations to establish a more effective and cohesive police force, as well as the necessary structural changes and personnel movements," to ensure the successful conduct of the 2025 midterm elections.
"Second, he also asked to review the structure and personnel of NAPOLCOM to see what needs to be done to make it more neutral and cohesive in addressing concerns of the police force," he said.
"Third is to ensure the safety of all candidates in the 2025 elections. This is his main concern."
Remulla said he is also considering establishing a "reporting system," similar to the national 911 system of the Philippines.
"Our current situation is that a city and a municipal authority have different systems, but the situations are very different. Therefore, we hope to create a comprehensive approach to report incidents across the country. Tomorrow we will start discussing the scope of authority, and hope to tender it by June next year when the new term begins," he said.
Meanwhile, Remulla talked about concerns regarding him and his brother, Justice Minister Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla, serving in the cabinet at the same time.
"Many of you will question my brother and I serving in the cabinet at the same time. But I think the issue is not whether we are brothers, but whether we are competent enough for these jobs. I think we bring different skills, and I think local government is my strength," he said. "I chose this position because I know I can make a difference, and I have the president's trust and confidence to face these challenges."
