Being in the spotlight often evokes a sense of admiration and prestige, as it signifies recognition of one's efforts and talents. However, for public figures like Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, the spotlight carries a weight of scrutiny and magnifies missteps.

Serious questions about his credibility and ability to lead the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) are popping up.

He's been involved in a couple of incidents—the rescue of a Chinese student who was kidnapped and the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte—that have sparked discussions about how accurate his accounts really are. As a result, he's facing criticism from various groups.

Back in February 2025, a dramatic situation unfolded when a 14-year-old Chinese student was taken by a criminal group. Unfortunately, the kidnappers went to shocking lengths, even killing the student's driver and chopping off the teener's finger to pressure the family into paying a substantial ransom.

Despite these grisly tactics, the student's parents decided not to pay the ransom. Fortunately, after a considerable police effort, the kidnappers ditched the teenager and left them in a busy part of Manila on February 25, 2025.

Remulla's take on the rescue operation hasn't exactly been met with universal approval. He described the event in a manner that some have likened to a "fairy tale."

Some have pointed out that his version of events seemed a bit over the top and possibly even exaggerated, raising doubts about the gravity of what actually happened and overshadowing the hard work of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Then there's the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who's facing serious charges related to his controversial drug war. In earlier media interviews, Remulla claimed he played a role in overseeing the whole thing. However, during Thursday's Senate inquiry led by Senator Imee Marcos, he backtracked, admitting that his earlier statements were based on hearsay and that he wasn't directly involved. This backpedaling has added to the skepticism around his credibility and raised alarms about a pattern of him spreading unverified information.

Remulla has also made headlines for previously calling the PNP a "criminal syndicate," which understandably didn't sit well with many officers and has created tension between the DILG and law enforcement. Trust is key for these agencies to work together efficiently, and these comments have introduced some strain in their relationship.

In addition to all this, there's chatter about Remulla's political ambitions—some speculate he might be eyeing a higher office. This has led to concerns that his actions may be more about personal gain rather than genuine public service, further shaking public confidence in his leadership.

Given the challenges he's facing, many are wondering if Remulla can stay on as Interior Secretary. His track record of sharing unverified info, the growing tension with the PNP, and doubts about his motives caused undue damage to the Marcos administration.

There are growing calls for Remulla to consider stepping down or potentially being replaced to restore trust and credibility within the DILG.

It's the only way to revitalize confidence in the organization.

Melchor Mariano
Pasig City