Jonvic Remulla, Athena Tolentino drop reelection bids as Cavite gov, VG

CAVITE, Philippines – Cavite Governor Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla Jr. and Vice Governor Athena Tolentino are dropping their reelection bids, widely believed to be a preparation for Remulla’s appointment to the Marcos Cabinet and other political realignments in the province.

The tandem withdrew their certificates of candidacy (COCs) in the afternoon of Monday, October 7, at the Office of Provincial Election Officer Attorney Mico Morales-Castro at the Capitol Grounds in Barangay San Agustin, Trece Martires City. 

Remulla withdrew his COC at 4:57 pm, while Tolentino withdrew hers earlier at 2:27 pm.

Rappler sources confirmed that Remulla will be taking his oath as the new secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government on Tuesday, October 8, following the resignation of secretary Benhur Abalos, who is running for senator.

Meanwhile, Tolentino, niece of Senator Francis Tolentino, is not running for any other elective posts. She will be assuming the post of governor to serve the remainder of Remulla’s term until June 30, 2025.

Two provincial board members are expected to file their COCs in place of Jonvic Remulla and Tolentino on Tuesday, the last day of COC filing. 7th District Board Member Abeng Remulla is running for governor, with 2nd District BM Ram Revilla as running mate.

Abeng is Jonvic’s nephew, the son of Justice Secretary Boying Remulla, while Revilla is the son of Senator Bong Revilla.

Governor Remulla and Vice Governor Tolentino filed their COCs on the first day of filing last October 1. – Rappler.com