CABINET Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. left his post on Tuesday, October 16, as he filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for governor in Bohol.
In a phone-patch interview, Evasco confirmed that he submitted his COC on Tuesday morning.
Evasco is automatically considered resigned from post since he already filed his candidacy for a local post in the 2019 midterm elections.
"I decided to run after a long, long [contemplation] kasi gusto ko talagang baguhin 'yung sa Bohol (because I really want change for Bohol) and people really requested for change," Evasco said.
Evasco said he already informed President Rodrigo Duterte about his political plans.
He added that Duterte had promised him to campaign for his election bid.
"Nagkausap na kami ni Presidente (I already talked to the President) but I have to discuss with him next week my campaigns... [The President was] smiling [when I told him about it]," Evasco said.
"Sinabi lang niya sa akin na, 'I will campaign for you.' Pero yung mga details mag-uusap pa kami (He told me that he will campaign for me. But we have yet to discuss the details with regard to my candidacy)," he added.
Evasco served as a three-year term mayor of his hometown Maribojoc in Bohol prior to his stint as Cabinet secretary.
Under the Duterte administration, Evasco was also previously tapped to lead the National Food Authority Council and the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council. (SunStar Philippines)