Leoncio Evasco, Jr. who his vying for Bohol’s gubernatorial seat in the 2019 polls has filed his certificate of candidacy (COC), and is now deemed resigned as Cabinet secretary.

Evasco who was among the highest ranking Boholano appointed officials in the Duterte government arrived at the provincial Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Tagbilaran City at 8:30 a.m. to file his COC.

He however submitted his candidacy under the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), not the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).

“Wa man ko maguol ana. Ako gi-imbitar man ko og PDP. Pero sa pagkatigulang na nako aning politika, kahibaw na ko ahay paingnan sa PDP—gubot pa sa lukot,” Evasco said.

The NPC in Bohol is being led by Rep. Aris Aumentado who on Monday filed his COC for his reelection bid as second district congressman.

Evasco was accompanied by his family and candidates for Provincial Board Member, Donald Sevilla and Leah Magno, when he filed his COC.

Meanwhile, Evasco’s gubernatorial rival, House Deputy Speaker Arthur Yap is expected to file his COC on Wednesday.

Yap will reportedly be submitting his candidacy together with running mate Rep. Rene Relampagos and Governor Edgar Chatto who seeks to reclaim the first district’s congressional seat.

According to the Comelec, those holding appointive positions in government including Evasco are deemed resigned once they file their COCs.

Evasco who was the campaign manager of Duterte for his presidential candidacy was tapped by the president to be his Cabinet secretary in 2016.

He first worked for Duterte in 1989 in Davao City. (R. Tutas)