CA confirms appointments of Remulla, Abalos

THE Commission on Appointments (CA) confirmed the appointments of Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2022.

The CA unanimously approved the appointment of the two officials after they answered several queries concerning their respective departments.

Abalos committed to the Committee on Interior and Local Government chaired by Sen. Francis Escudero that he will put to work his years of experience as a local executive to lead the DILG particularly in raising the capacity of the local government units for effective, accountable and responsive governance.

Abalos served as mayor of Mandaluyong City for 15 terms, as well as congressman of the city and chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority during the height of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

He also vowed to sustain the gains of the past administration against criminality and illegal drugs “in accordance to the law” as the DILG oversees the operation of the Philippine National Police through the National Police Commission.

Meanwhile, Remulla vowed to the Committee on Justice, and Judicial and Bar Council that he will “ignite” several reforms for the improvement of the administration of justice.

“It is a commitment that I make before you and our people that (we) stand by the rule of law and exercise, nothing but the rule of law,” he said.

Remulla was reelected as Cavite Seventh District representative during the most recent local election, before he was appointed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to the post.

Among the topics discussed during Remulla’s deliberation were the case of detained former senator Leila de Lima, his views on the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), the death penalty, red tagging, and the status of the International Criminal Court probe on the alleged crime against humanity committed during the former administration’s drug war.