INTERIOR Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla yesterday vowed to rid the PNP of politics and the “palakasan” system as he formally assumed the helm of the Interior Department.
In a press briefing, Remulla said promotions in the police force will now be based on merit.
“There are a lot of things to be (done) and I want to remove politics from the PNP,” said Remulla.
“I want to make it a merit-based system, on who gets promoted and who doesn’t. Ang nangyayari kasi ngayon, palakasan (What’s happening now is the padrino system),” said
Remulla, adding he did not entertain the “palakasan system” when he was still the Cavite governor.
“I want to institute that (in the PNP),” said Remulla.
Asked what the DILG personnel can expect from him, Remulla said: “Number one is you have to keep your integrity. That’s the cornerstone of public service.
“Number two, showing up on time, (it) means that you care. I am always on time. Number three, accountability, especially involving public funds.”
Aside from the PNP, also under the DILG are the National Police Commission, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Local Government Academy.
Implying a reorganization of the PNP is forthcoming, Remulla said: “It’s a top-heavy organization. I think we have to flatten it a little bit. So many generals, so many layers. I think we need less.”
Remulla, who took his oath as Interior secretary before President Marcos Jr. last Tuesday, assumed the post yesterday, succeeding Benjamin Abalos Jr. who resigned to run for senator in next year’s elections.
He also vowed to pursue a nationwide 911 response system.
“As of now, it’s piecemeal, it’s only in Quezon City, San Juan, Makati. So what we will do is a (nationwide) 911 system. We will be setting the terms of reference for that,” said Remulla.
He said he is ready to tackle his job, which is not easy.
“The entire job is a challenge. There are no easy days in this job…Every day is a challenge and every day is a day for improvement, so there are no easy days,” said Remulla.
Remulla said the PNP is “doing a good job” in the fight against illegal drugs, noting the amount of drugs seized and the number of suspects arrested.
“I think EJK (extra-judicial killings) is not the solution,” said Remulla, apparently taking a swipe at the previous administration’s bloody war against illegal drugs.
“I think what the PNP is doing now is within accordance with the bounds of law, in accordance with the bounds of human rights. So I think what they are doing now is better than what the previous administration (did),” said Remulla.
Remulla reiterated his vow to close all offshore gaming operations in the country.
“As far as I am concerned, I will get all the list of POGOs and I will personally lock them down, one by one personally. All of them,” said Remulla,
On the POGO hub at Island Cove in Cavite, Remulla said he talked to firm officials last Tuesday.
“I talked to them yesterday since it’s in my home province and the property used to be owned by my family. They will close down on December 15 for good,” he said.
