In the fiery world of Philippine politics, few statements land like a thunderclap. Yet Professor Malou Tiquia, veteran political analyst and strategist, managed to do just that when she addressed one of the nation’s most influential leaders with a message that left the public buzzing: “Time to go.”
Her target? Cavite Governor and DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
This wasn’t a subtle critique or a whispered warning. It was a public pronouncement delivered with precision and authority, signaling that the political tides may have turned. Tiquia’s blunt words carried an unmistakable weight, reinforced by a crucial observation: “The people are watching, and there are a lot of them.”
What makes the statement so powerful is that it transforms a simple call for accountability into a reflection of a growing groundswell of public sentiment. It’s not just one strategist’s opinion—it’s a mirror of the mounting pressure building outside palace walls.
The Strategist Behind the Message
Understanding the impact of this pronouncement requires knowing the messenger. Professor Malou Tiquia is no ordinary commentator. As the founder and CEO of Publicus Asia, Inc., she has spent decades navigating the intricate corridors of power, advising politicians, and analyzing public opinion. Her insights are grounded in data, experience, and a deep understanding of political strategy.
When she issues a warning, it’s not idle rhetoric. It’s a professional assessment. By telling Remulla to “pack his bags,” Tiquia isn’t just criticizing—she’s signaling a shift in political momentum, a forecast that the current balance of power may no longer favor him.
Remulla: A Political Heavyweight
Jonvic Remulla is not a minor player. He commands influence as Cavite Governor and DILG Secretary, overseeing both local governance and national law enforcement. He represents the intertwining of political dynasty power and administrative authority—making him a formidable figure in Philippine politics.
That is why Tiquia’s message resonates so strongly. It’s a direct challenge to entrenched authority, a reminder that public opinion can outweigh political pedigree. To tell someone like Remulla that “it’s time to go” is a bold assertion that the era of unquestioned influence may be ending.
Breaking Down the Message
“Time to go” is more than a figure of speech. It is a declaration that public patience has reached its limit. It implies that the social contract between leader and citizen has been strained beyond repair. It’s a call for accountability, an announcement that legitimacy is no longer assumed but must be earned.
Tiquia’s words reflect not anger alone, but a deep reading of public sentiment. They suggest that the official’s actions—or inactions—have created a situation where remaining in power could harm both his standing and the administration he serves.
The People Factor
The added remark—“so many people”—is critical. It frames her warning as the voice of a broad constituency, not a lone strategist. Tiquia amplifies what countless citizens are already feeling: frustration, disappointment, and a demand for change.
In today’s hyper-connected world, public sentiment can crystallize rapidly, influence elections, and pressure officials like never before. Tiquia’s statement taps into this new reality, reminding the political class that authority is temporary and borrowed from the people.
A Lesson for the Political Elite
While directed at Remulla, the broader message is clear: no politician is immune. Positions of power are conditional, and the public has the ultimate say. In highlighting the growing discontent, Tiquia sends a warning to all officeholders—ignore the people at your peril.
For Remulla, the challenge is immediate: dismiss the critique or confront the underlying issues head-on. For the rest of the political establishment, it’s a stark reminder that public accountability can arrive unannounced, amplified by the voices of the masses.
Ultimately, Tiquia’s statement is more than a political critique—it’s a testament to the enduring principle that leadership is a responsibility, not a right. When the people speak, even the most powerful must listen.