FORMER Cavite 7th District Rep. Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla formally assumed his new post as justice secretary on Monday and immediately identified three agencies under his supervision—Land Registration Authority (LRA), Bureau of Immigration (BI) and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor)—which, he said, would be his focus on addressing corruption and other illegal activities.
Speaking before officials and employees of the Department of Justice (DOJ) during his first flag-raising ceremony, Remulla said he is ready to face all the challenges confronting the justice department.
“Why was I chosen by the President? Maybe he chose me because I can get things done, that is the ultimate reason probably why I was chosen by the President, and that I accept challenges. I have accepted all the challenges given me in my whole political life and probably my whole professional life,” Remulla said.
Remulla said a lawyer-friend had narrated to him how syndicates work in the LRA but immediately clarified that not all employees of the said agency are involved in irregularities.
“Let us just say that 95 percent to 99 percent of its personnel are not engaged in corrupt activities but there is that 1 percent that is not doing their job well and it is affecting everyone,” he said.
He also lamented the presence of syndicates at the BI that are behind human trafficking, extortion, protection and other irregularities.
Remulla admitted being concerned about these irregularities in the BI considering that it is a frontline agency that screens unwanted foreigners from entering the country, and upholds the sovereignty of the country.
“The sad thing about the Bureau of Immigration is that they exercise sovereign powers, it is the face of the country and we Filipinos have a duty to protect our own country. What more for the frontline organization that people see when they enter and leave the country,” Remulla explained.
Remulla also expressed belief that illegal activities are still rampant inside the BuCor.
It can be recalled that former President Duterte disclosed that high-profile drug convicts are operating illegal drug trade from the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) in Muntinlupa.
“The BuCor is one of the three agencies that we will closely monitor. I think activities that destroy our society are continuously happening inside,” Remulla said.
The third in his list as a problematic attached agency is the BuCor, “which up to now continues to conduct activities that destroy our society,” he added.
Remulla said since President Marcos Jr. informed him on May 12 that he was being eyed as DOJ Secretary, he already started making preparations to be able to address the challenges ahead.
“Who am I to say ‘no’ to serve as DOJ Secretary, how can I say ‘no’ to the President who was elected by 31 million. It is a big honor,” he said while noting that he did not ask for the position.
Remulla assured DOJ employees of his 100 percent commitment as their Secretary in the next six years of the Marcos administration.
“You can expect me to be totally committed to our case, totally committed to what the Department of Justice stands for and what we should stand for, and I can tell you without batting an eyelash that I am ready to give my life for this, no ‘ifs’ or ‘buts’,” the DOJ Secretary said.