Remulla on 10-day wellness leave —DOJ

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla will take a 10-day wellness leave due to personal reasons, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Monday.

Remulla's wellness leave will be effective immediately, the DOJ said in a statement.

“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.

Meanwhile, Remulla told reporters that Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez will be the Justice officer-in-charge while he is on leave.

In an ambush interview, Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres said Remulla may be back at work sooner than 10 days from now.

“I have no new information but he just informed me that he needs to take a wellness leave. In just a few days. Oo, 10 days or even shorter. He told me we will have a videoconference a week from now,” he said.

Andres said he thinks Remulla is currently at a hospital.

“I think he is. I think he is. I’m not sure where he is but it’s nothing serious. It’s something he would prefer not to discuss publicly,” he said. —Joahna Lei Casilao/KBK/BM, GMA Integrated News