Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla has reprimanded Daniel Fernando following complaints about the governor’s alleged abusive conduct while traveling with a convoy along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).
In a press conference on Tuesday, February 24, Remulla confirmed that he spoke with Fernando regarding reports that the governor’s convoy had been occupying up to four lanes of the expressway and allegedly preventing other motorists from overtaking.
According to Remulla, his office has received multiple complaints accusing Fernando of repeatedly blocking lanes while passing through NLEX.
“Marami nang reports kasi ng road rage na accused siya, so this has to stop. Hindi naman criminal act ang ginawa niya. Wala naman siyang pinatay, wala namang ginulpi, wala namang ganun, pero it has to stop. Hindi pwedeng makahari ang governor,” Remulla said.
The DILG chief emphasized that while the alleged acts do not constitute a criminal offense, the behavior described in the complaints was unacceptable for a public official.
LTO to Lead Probe
Remulla said the matter has been referred to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for investigation, particularly an alleged incident on Saturday night along NLEX.
Reports earlier surfaced claiming that Fernando’s convoy blocked a vehicle supposedly linked to a presidential son, an allegation Malacañang has denied.
Remulla said he received information about the incident around 11 p.m. Saturday while attending his mother’s birthday in Taytay. He attempted to contact concerned parties that night but was unsuccessful.
“Parang sunod na araw na eh. Umaga na,” Remulla said when asked when he was able to speak with Fernando, clarifying that their conversation took place Sunday morning.
According to the Interior Secretary, Fernando denied the alleged incident.
During the same press conference, Remulla also addressed claims that he had threatened the governor, including alleged statements about confiscating firearms and impounding vehicles.
“As far as I know, wala kaming, walang threat. Ang pina-examine ko lang yung firearms licenses niya. Kung anong valid, anong hindi. But as far as that, wala kaming raid sa bahay walang ganun,” he said.
Remulla maintained that the issue goes beyond who was allegedly involved in the Saturday incident and pointed to what he described as a pattern of behavior.
“It doesn't matter if it was a presidential son or not. Nagiging ugali na ni Governor Fernando na pag nabyahe siya ng NLEX ay apat na lane na occupied niya na walang pwede mag-overtake. So, ang dami na namin nakuha ng complaint na gano'n na masyado siyang makahari sa lugar niya,” he said.
“Sa kanya, sa NLEX, hinaharang niya talaga. Siya lang pwedeng dumaan. Daig pa ang presidente kung bumiyahe. So, irregardless kung sinong naging victim, that was wrong. Mali yung ginawa niya,” he added.
Remulla said any potential administrative or traffic-related charges would depend on the findings of the LTO and Police Regional Office 3, which are leading the investigation.
As of writing, Governor Fernando has yet to issue a formal response to the allegations addressed by the DILG secretary.
