The ‘real test’ for Secretary Remulla

(Editor’s Note: This is a social media post from former Armed Forces Chief of Staff and former Ambassador Alexaner B. Yano on February 1, in relation to the order of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, banning the display of names, photos and likeliness of public officials on government projects.

To put more context, the 2026 General Appropriations Act (RA 12314) has included a provision banning politicians from participating in the distribution of government assistance and thru his order, Secretary Remulla appears to have extended the ban to its logical conclusion: banning politicians from taking credit in the implementation of government projects.

After his appointment as area commander for Southern Luzon (Solcom) in 2006, General Yano then served as the 49^th Commanding General of the Philippine Army (2007) and the following year, as the 38^th AFP Chief of Staff. On his retirement in 2009, he was appointed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam.

General Yano continues to command admiration and respect from the ranks of the Philippine military and the public. We are reprinting his commentary here due to its relevance and with Secretary Remulla reportedly being eyed by the administration to be its presidential candidate in the 2028 elections).

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government has issued Memorandum Circular No. 2026-006 banning the display of names, photos, and likenesses of public officials on government projects.

On paper, it looks bold. In law, it is solid. In principle, it is correct.

But in real life, this is not about issuing a memo. This is about command.

This directive is now the true test of Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla’s authority over the country’s vast bureaucracy — and over the police, the fire service, and local DILG offices who operate daily under the shadow of mayors, governors, and congressmen.

The legal foundations are already there: The Constitution. RA 6713. COA rules. The General Appropriations Act.

The memo itself spells them out clearly. There is no legal excuse left. The only remaining question is political will.

Gone is the era of the DILG under Rodrigo Duterte — when Duterte spoke and the DILG, the PNP, and the entire chain of command moved in unison, top to bottom. Orders were executed. Directives were feared. Discipline was enforced.

The question now is:

Can Remulla command the same obedience? Can this order survive the first angry phone call from a governor? Will a Chief of Police dare remove a tarpaulin bearing a mayor’s smiling face?

Will a provincial director order the dismantling of a governor’s billboard? Will a fire marshal take down a tarp sponsored by a congressman?

Or will this circular quietly die in filing cabinets while politicians’ faces continue to decorate every waiting shed, ambulance, school wall, and barangay hall?

Because in the Philippines, the real chain of command is often not Manila — It is the local politician who controls promotions, transfers, and budgets. And that is the uncomfortable truth.

If Secretary Remulla intends to seek national office in 2028, this moment will matter more than any speech he makes.

Leadership is not proven by drafting memos. It is proven by forcing compliance.

Does his power and influence reach every police station, every fire station, every DILG field office?

Will local commanders choose the law over their political patrons? Will barangay captains dare remove tents bearing a politician’s name and face?

Or are we headed for a scenario where even barangay officials will defy this order — Not because the law is unclear, but because national leadership is seen as weak and appeasing the local politician feels safer than obeying Manila?

This memo challenges a deeply rooted culture of political ownership of public projects — the belief that roads, buildings, and relief goods belong to the official whose name is printed on them.

The true measure of Secretary Remulla’s authority is not whether he can issue a circular — But whether he can make every police chief, fire marshal, and DILG officer enforce it against their own political benefactors.

Can he make the system choose law over loyalty? Can he protect officers who follow the order when local officials retaliate? Can he impose discipline without blinking?

This directive will not be tested in Quezon City (where the main office of the DILG is located—Editor). It will be tested in provinces, municipalities, and barangays — Where tarpaulins are thicker than the law and where obedience is often political, not legal.

The order is correct. The law is clear. The mandate is justified.

Now comes the hard part: Enforcement.

If this circular is implemented nationwide, it will mark a rare moment when public office truly becomes public trust. If it is ignored, it will become just another well-written document buried under politicians’ faces.

Secretary Remulla has chosen his battlefield. Now the country will see if he commands it.