Cabinet Secretary Evasco, Jr. maintained that he has no plans of running for governor, even in the aftermath of his public tirade against possible gubernatorial candidates Representatives Arthur Yap and Rene Relampagos.
Evasco, during an interview with media at the Tagbilaran City Airport on Thursday, reiterated his lack of interest in running for a seat in both the provincial Capitol and the House of Representatives during the midterm elections next year.
“Dili man ko modagan og congressman, dili man ko modagan og mayor diha sa Balilihan, diha sa Loon, ug gani, dili man ko modagan og gobernador,” said Evasco.
The town of Loon and Balilihan are considered bailiwicks of Relampagos and Governor Edgar Chatto, respectively.
Chatto who is on his last term as governor was the congressman of the first district, where Evasco is qualified to run as House representative.
According to Evasco, he lacks budget to fund a gubernatorial or congressional campaign.
“Nganong ila pud kong dauton nga dili man ko hulga sa ilang planong pampolitika,” said Evasco.
During the same interview, Evasco also refused to name possible candidates for governor down to mayor in Bohol in the administration’s ticket.
However, Evasco hinted that Rep. Aris Aumentado and Vice Gov. Dionisio Balite could be suitable gubernatorial candidates during next year’s polls.
In June, Evasco cited age as reason for his waned political ambition, noting that he wishes to rest and spend time with his family.
“Sa akong edad karon, di na ko mangusog, dili na ko magpa-ugat, dili na ko magpakamatay na makuha nako ang maong posisyon, pero kung ihatag na sa ginoo, ngano man pud na balibaran,” he said.
“Kung di pod mo-abot anang dapita, kalipay pud na nako kay makapahulay na ko gikan sa serbisyong publiko…mahatagan akong kaugalingon na makig-uban sa akong pamilya, mga amigo,” he added.
A month after his pronouncement, however, Evasco denounced Yap, Relampagos and Chatto for being “opportunists” in an interview over station dyRD’s Inyong Alagad on July 19. (R. Tutas)