Negros Oriental provincial administrator resignsClarifies: “Not because the ship is sinking”

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — Concurrent provincial administrator and provincial legal officer Richard Enojo has resigned from his positions effective Monday, as confirmed by Governor Roel Degamo.

Enojo faced the media yesterday to clear his name and clarify innuendos, especially coming from the Capitol critics, saying he decided to leave not because “the ship (provincial government) is sinking” but because Degamo has been doing well and can stand on his own.

Enojo, who was supposed to work at the Capitol for a year only but was extended to four years by the governor, said he did not expect that his resignation will create a lot of public uproar.

He told the media his first major reason for resigning was his desire to run for councilor of his hometown Zamboanguita. Degamo had said he understood Enojo’s need for more time to focus on political plans for 2016. Degamo also vowed to support Enojo’s political bid and will be under the governor’s party.

Second reason Enojo had expounded was his need to return to private law practice, so he could fund well his daughter’s college education at La Salle in Manila. He said that, when he worked at the Capitol, he lost 50 percent of his clients and much of his robust income from the profession.

“I came to the Capitol to help Gov. Degamo, who is my relative, and the people (of Negros Oriental). I gave 90 percent of my time, and my family practically lost a father, so I told my children that it’s time to leave,” said Enojo.

Degamo, together with wife Janice, however tried to convince Enojo to delay his resignation and reconsider the decision. The lawyer in turn asked the governor for two more days, within which to make a final decision and discuss it with his family again.

He said he respects Atty. Enojo’s reasons for giving up his posts at the Capitol, further saying that he understands that for a first-timer in politics, the man needs more time to be out in the field to campaign and be known by the people.

The governor, while assuring the public of unhampered services amidst the resignation, lauded Enojo for having a “very good track record in so far as administration is concerned.” He named Franz Joseph Pinili, assistant provincial administrator, to take over Enojo’s post in an acting capacity until a permanent replacement is appointed. (FREEMAN)