Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla will take a 10-day “wellness leave for personal reasons.”
In a statement on Monday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Remulla’s leave will be effective immediately.
“We kindly ask for your understanding and respect for the Secretary’s privacy during this time. We look forward to the Secretary’s return and his continued service to the DOJ and the Filipino people,” the DOJ said.
The DOJ said it remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served.
“Rest assured that the DOJ will continue to carry out its vital functions and responsibilities, including the protection of the rights of every Filipino citizen, without any interruption,” it said.
Remulla designated Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez DOJ’s officer-in-charge while he is on leave.
Meanwhile. Justice Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres gave assurance that “nothing is serious about the 10-day wellness leave” of Secretary Remulla.
“It’s an offshoot of a normal medical check-up,” Andres said, adding that the Secretary will be back soon.
But Andres did not give details about Remulla’s medical condition. “It’s something the Secretary would prefer not to discuss publicly,” he said.
Remulla, 62, was given the DOJ portfolio on June 30, 2022, thereby relinquishing his election as Cavite congressman in the May 9, 2022 polls.
“Every person of that age should have a regular check-up and adjust lifestyle in accordance with his age. But this guy won’t stop. He is too energetic for his own good,” Andres said.
He said that Remulla will be holding video conferences with DOJ officials even while on leave.