Jonas, Briccio still friends

CEBU, Philippines - Both Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes and former city administrator Briccio Boholst have finally broken their silence over the latter's resignation early this week.

During yesterday's press conference, the mayor appealed to reporters to refrain from insinuating that they are at odds with each other.

Both have maintained they remain allies despite the resignation.

Cortes said the reason he accepted Boholst's resignation was to allow him to find better opportunities.

He said he has thanked Boholst for being there for him during his darkest moments in public service.

He said Boholst defended him well against the opposition-dominated city council while serving as first-term mayor.

"Duna lang dyuy mga tawo nga gusto ipagawas nga duna miy diperensya but he will always be an ally," Cortes said.

The mayor said he would still seek Boholst's advice on matters regarding governance.

The guess was that the two men's relationship had soured, and this was reinforced by the failure of both to hurriedly issue a statement regarding the severance of ties.

In a letter, Boholst said he yearns to return to private practice as a lawyer, his own firm and staff waiting for his homecoming.

His silence on his resignation was due to the belief that it was the mayor's prerogative to say something about it.

"The confusion that this has brought to many is unintended but contrary to what has been coming out from the rumor mills lately, there is no "grand reason" that pushed me to leave. The mayor will remain my "closest ally," friend, and confidant. Of course I hope that I am also one to him," Boholst's letter to reporters stated.

Boholst said he had told Cortes when he became mayor for the first time that he had no intention to hang around for a long time since he was devoted to his work as a lawyer.

While the mayor is scouting for someone who he thinks would be capable to hold the position, lawyer Ernesto Maringuran, the assistant officer of the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) will act as acting city administrator.

Cortes said he would pick the most capable person for the job since the city administrator is considered the alternate mayor who has to take over the mayor's duties and responsibilities whenever he is away. (FREEMAN)