The difference between Boying and Jonvic Remulla

The Remullas of Cavite delivered huge chunks of votes in 2022 for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his then vice presidential running mate, Sara Z. Duterte. BBM got no less than 1,121,668 votes (60.90%) compared to Leni Robredo's only 487,898 (27.03%). Robredo's rallies were even obstructed by the political leaders of the Remullas in that Marcos bailiwick.

Ping Lacson, who is from Cavite got only a measly 91,677 votes or only 4,98%. Isko Moreno from neighboring Manila was credited with 80,484 or 4.37%. Manny Pacquiao got only 40,054 or 2.17% (most probably from the Visayans and Mindanaoans residing in Cavite. The other candidates like Leody de Guzman, Faisal Mangondato, Ernie Abella, Norberto Gonzales and Jose Montemayor got less than one percent each. This means that the true kingpins of Cavite are the Remullas.

BBM won in all cities and towns in Cavite. In the cities of Bacoor, 57.71%, in Cavite City 66.90%, in Dasmarinas, 61.39%, in Gen Trias, 62.45%, in Imus, 53.59%, in Tagaytay, 64.97%, in Trece Martires, 64.53%. Marcos won in all towns: Alfonso, Amadeo, Carmona, Gen E Aguinaldo, Gen Mariano Alvarez, Indang, Kawit and Magallanes, Maragondon, Mendez and Naic, Noveleta, Rosario and Silang, Tanza and Ternate. His share of the votes in the towns ranged from a high of 70.91% in Ternate to a low of 52% in Alfonso.

That is why the president appointed not one, not two but three Remulla brothers to such important positions. Boying Remulla as DOJ secretary and later Ombudsman, Jonvic Remulla to the DILG and Gilbert Remulla as PAGCOR board member. There is no other family, not even an Ilocano family that has been granted such a presidential accomodation. Despite all their deficiencies and excesses, the Marcoses have a redeeming value, one of gratitude for political favor.

BBM's abiding sense of political gratitude was the reason why Cristina Garcia Frasco was appointed to the DOT, albeit it did not turn out well. But that's another story. The Remulla brothers are the sons of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s old political ally, Juanito Johnny Remulla, who was the mortal enemy of the Malixis and rivals for supremacy to the Revillas-- Ramon, Bong Lani and Strike. Cavite is a very important province now with eight congressional districts. Johnny Remulla was a lawyer and the longest sitting governor of Cavite.

Boying is a lawyer, former governor and congressman, former DOJ secretary and now Ombudsman. He is a man of words and action. Jonvic is also a former governor and congressman. He is a man of words and words alone. His action is still in a future tense. If he were not a Remulla, he would have been fired like Cristina Frasco or thrown into some unknown and unimportant post for old time's sake. Boying is a lawyer who knows his law. Jonvic is not but he can make people hope by his glowing promises. Gilbert is the more suave and better communicator.

If I were the president, I would send Jonvic Remulla to an ambassadorial post to the Caribbean Islands where he can relax, enjoy and not do much damage by his many words of promises. Perhaps, Gilbert will be more fit for the DILG. Cavit is a very important province to the president. The total number of votes in that province can upset any combined votes of the five Davao provinces: Norte, Sur, Oriental. Occidental and Davao de Oro.

DILG needs a man of action in the mold of General Nicolas Torre or Benjie Magalong. BBM administration should improve its skills of choosing the right person for the right job. This is one of the Achilles heels of BBM. He should have learned from his late father who achieved the feat of assembling the highest caliber of Cabinet members in all Philippine history. He should decide for himself and not be pressured by the influence peddlers around his family and office.