MANILA, Philippines — March 4, 2026 — Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has denied rumors that he physically assaulted Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando following an alleged road incident along the Northern Luzon Expressway.

In a statement, Remulla dismissed circulating claims on social media that he had beaten the governor, calling them “baseless and malicious.” He clarified that while he had previously criticized Fernando’s alleged misuse of the expressway, there was no confrontation that escalated into violence. “There was no such incident. I categorically deny these false reports,” Remulla said.

Governor Fernando also addressed the controversy earlier this week, urging the public to respect official statements from Malacañang and the Land Transportation Office, which had already clarified the matter. 

“May kumakalat na balita sa social media, nais kong linawin na ang issue na ito na sinasabing road rage ay malinaw nang nagpahayag na ang Malacañang tungkol dito at ang LTO. Irespeto na po natin ‘yun. Okay na po ‘yan,” Fernando said during a flag ceremony.

The issue began after reports surfaced that Fernando’s convoy allegedly occupied multiple lanes on NLEX, prompting complaints from motorists. Remulla admitted he had called out the governor for what he described as “abusive use of the road,” but stressed that his remarks were limited to reminding Fernando not to act “like a king” while traveling with an entourage.

Both officials have now denied any physical altercation, with Remulla reiterating that his criticisms were directed at road behavior and not personal attacks. The clarification aims to put an end to speculation that has spread widely online, as authorities continue to monitor the situation to prevent further misinformation.