Bulacan Governor Faces Allegations of 'King-Like' Conduct on North Luzon Expressway
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla made startling revelations on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, regarding Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando's alleged behavior while traveling along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). According to Remulla, his office has received numerous reports detailing what he described as "king-like" conduct from the provincial leader during highway journeys.
Four-Lane Occupation and Road Rage Complaints
Secretary Remulla specifically addressed Governor Fernando's reported habit of occupying four entire lanes while traveling on the NLEX, effectively preventing other motorists from overtaking his convoy. "It has become Governor Fernando's habit that whenever he travels on the NLEX, he occupies four lanes, leaving no room for anyone to overtake," Remulla stated during his Tuesday announcement.
The Interior Secretary emphasized the seriousness of these allegations, noting that his department has collected multiple complaints about the governor's behavior. "We've received so many complaints that he acts too much like a ruler in his area," Remulla explained. "He even outdoes the president when he's on the road. Regardless of who becomes the victim, that was wrong. What he did was wrong."
Security Convoy Details and Public Rights Concerns
According to the reports received by Remulla's office, Governor Fernando typically travels with a convoy consisting of four vehicles, including three that contain his civilian security aides - specifically two vans and one sports utility vehicle. This substantial security detail has reportedly contributed to the lane-occupying behavior that has drawn public complaints.
Remulla expressed particular concern about the implications of such conduct for public officials' responsibilities. "There are many reports of road rage in which he is the accused," the Secretary noted. "It has to stop. Governors should not act like rulers. It shouldn't be like that. You should also respect the people's rights."
Connection to Earlier NLEX Incident and Verification Process
The Interior Secretary revealed that the complaints against Governor Fernando bear similarity to an alleged incident that occurred on the NLEX on Saturday evening, February 21. That earlier incident reportedly involved a presidential son and his driver, who were allegedly harassed after overtaking a convoy of vehicles registered to the Provincial Government of Bulacan. While Malacañang has denied this specific incident occurred, Remulla acknowledged the parallel nature of the complaints.
Although Remulla declined to confirm the details of the February 21 incident, he disclosed that he personally contacted Governor Fernando the following day to inquire about the reports. During their conversation, Remulla requested that Fernando surrender his vehicles and firearms for official verification.
The verification process was conducted by the Police Regional Office-Central Luzon, and according to Remulla, the surrendered items have since been returned to Governor Fernando following completion of the examination. The Interior Secretary's public statements represent a significant development in addressing concerns about public officials' conduct on Philippine highways and their responsibility to respect fellow motorists' rights.
