The recent uproar surrounding DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla and his role in the unfolding drama regarding former President Rodrigo Duterte's “kidnap” to The Hague, Netherlands begs our paramount concern.

The way the situation is shaping up, it’s tough to see how Remulla can maintain any shred of credibility after the hilarious statement he made regarding the "rescue" of a kidnapped Chinese student—and then, well, it turned out to be quite the opposite.

It makes many Filipinos wonder if he has played a much larger role in a questionable political game.

Social media platforms are buzzing with comments from Duterte supporters after the DILG chief named high-ranking officials like President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro, and himself to be the core and conspired to arrest Duterte and whisk him away to the International Criminal Court without any legal standing in the Philippines.

Is it a ‘betrayal of loyalty’ to advance his political career?

Let’s get to Remulla's part in this mess. His open admission to actions that many perceive as unlawful, Remulla has stirred anger among Duterte’s supporters and raised critical questions about the administration’s commitment to the principles of due process.

Prominent lawyer Raul Lambino didn’t mince words when he suggested that this kind of state-sponsored operation can be classified as kidnapping—something that should rattle any responsible public official like Remulla.

The situation goes deeper with reports indicating that Teodoro arranged for the plane that carried Duterte—an executive jet owned by businessman Ramon S. Ang, a known ally.

Doesn’t this type of arrangement look a bit too cozy? High-level discussions and orchestration of what feels like an elaborate scheme to sideline a former president? It smells fishy, and Remulla’s credibility is only getting murkier by the day.

Being at the helm of the Philippine National Police, he allowed them to trample on people’s rights and values when they took the former president in custody last March 11. Mobile phone videos were witnesses to law enforcers’ tyranny.

Adding to fuel to the fire — supporters of Duterte and overseas Filipinos are taking to the streets, with rallies popping up nationwide and many parts of the globe. Who wouldn’t be moved by this heartfelt grassroots mobilization, which displays a loyalty to a leader and a fervent demand for accountability and the rule of law.

They’re rallying around the notion that Remulla and this government have not just let down a former president but are putting all Filipinos at risk by undermining democratic processes.

Public sentiment is snowballing on the edge, with the Marcos administration feeling the rise of indignation. Filipinos and even foreigners are voicing their grievances, and demanding a government that respects legal principles and values due process. The ramifications of Remulla's actions could ripple far beyond this controversy.

Secretary Remulla and the Marcos administration should not shrug off the concerns of an increasingly restive populace. If they have ignored transparency and accountability, it is time to raise the bar.

After all, the integrity of our democratic institutions and the rule of law are in limbo, and we all deserve better leaders and a comfortable life.

Mercedita de Jesus
Muntinlupa City