CEBU, Philippines - Two more Cebu City officials are leaving City Hall even before their appointment expires due to the suspension of Mayor Michael Rama.
Aside from City Attorney Jerone Castillo who availed of early retirement, lawyer Janeses Ponce, chairman of the Solid Waste Management Board, and Ronald Diola, head of the Local School Board, are also quitting their jobs.
Ponce submitted his resignation letter on May 13 to lawyer Mary Ann Suson, head of the Human Resource and Development Office. The resignation was already approved.
“I personally submitted it, I don’t like to wait until June 30 pa kay na suspend naman ang mayor so it means nawala nasad ko,” Ponce said.
He explained that his position was co-terminus with the appointing authority. Ponce said that since Rama had been suspended and would no longer return to City Hall until his term expires on June 30, there is no more reason for him to stay.
Diola, on the other hand, said he does not need to submit resignation because he is co-terminus with Rama.
“Dili na kinahanglan kay na-suspend man ang mayor so automatic na wala na sad ko kay co-terminus man mi. Ever since I haven’t receive anything from the city, I used my own money, nitrabaho lang ko kay public service is one of my calling,” Diola said.
Diola said he is happy to have set up a system that is transparent and was able to put up a new office for the Local School Board.
Diola said he will go back to his private life and focus on his business.
“I have a business naman ever since pa, so didto lang nako ibaling akong panahon,” Diola said.
Ponce said he will also go back to his private law practice and spend more time with his family. — (FREEMAN)