Politics · Philippines Bureau
Remulla defends arrest order statement as factual reporting
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla dismissed Vice President Sara Duterte's criticism that he sought drama in announcing her arrest order, maintaining Friday that he was merely fulfilling his duty to inform the public of court proceedings.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Remulla responded to Duterte's allegations by reaffirming his role as a government official tasked with communicating information to the public. The exchange emerged after the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 98 issued an arrest order against the Vice President on grave threats charges.
"I'm just doing my job stating the facts," Remulla said in addressing the Vice President's claim that he deliberately sought to create controversy surrounding the court order.
The Interior and Local Government chief's statement underscores the ongoing tension between the two officials, with Duterte questioning the necessity of public announcements regarding legal proceedings against her. Remulla's position reflects the government's stance that transparency regarding court actions constitutes part of standard administrative protocol.
The grave threats case has intensified the political friction between the administration and the Vice President, whose relations with the national government have deteriorated in recent months. The dispute over how the arrest order was communicated highlights differing views on accountability and public information in high-profile legal matters.