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Bohol Board Member Benjie Arcamo expressed frustration over the lack of quorum during the regular session on Tuesday, where only a handful of members were present—most of whom are aligned with governor Aris Aumentado.

Arcamo aired his sentiments during an episode of Open Forum with Ardy Araneta-Batoy and Gloria Leodivica Araneta on Wednesday, saying it was the first time in his long tenure at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) that he experienced such a situation.

Among those present were Board Members Aldner Damalerio, Mimi Boniel, Elpidio Bonita, Tomas Abapo, and Romulo Cepedoza. However, after Arcamo was elected presiding officer, the SP secretary called the roll and confirmed the absence of nine members, including Vice Gov. Tits Baja.

Arcamo noted that at least eight members are required to form a quorum, but with only five present, the SP could not proceed with the session.

Reports indicate that the absent board members were on official business, with some reportedly attending an event in the second district alongside the governor.

“The primary function of a board member is to legislate, make laws, and attend SP sessions,” Arcamo stressed.

Panglao Convention Center

Arcamo also confirmed that the executive department had been authorized to purchase land in Panglao for a proposed convention center.

However, he addressed circulating rumors that the individual who signed the deed of sale for the lot had already passed away before the transaction.

“The executive is responsible for ensuring they are transacting with the right people,” Arcamo said. “The SP’s role is only to authorize the purchase.”

AICS Issue

Arcamo also said he could not determine when the issue surrounding the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program would be tackled, as SP leadership has remained indifferent, leaving the matter unresolved for months.

Tagbilaran City’s funds are safely kept in banks and continue to earn interest, finance officials clarified following issues over fund management.

Tagbilaran City Treasurer Hubert Inas said approximately P663 million is deposited in high-yield accounts, generating interest rates between 2% and 4%, apparently higher than regular deposit accounts.

He said the funds are not mismanaged or diverted elsewhere.

"The deposits are placed in secure banks such as the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and Veterans Bank," Inas said in a recent radio interview.

Financial consultant Primitiva Ontong explained that temporarily placing city funds in high-interest accounts is a standard practice.

She assured that the funds remain secure and can only be accessed for the city’s needs.

Panglao Mayor Edgardo Arcay has denied allegations of corruption and favoritism towards foreign investors in barangay Tangnan, as brought forth by local resort owners before the Sangguniang Bayan (SB).

The complainants expressed concerns over the establishment of a collection point in the area, which they claim affects tourists visiting resorts there.

They also criticized what they perceive as preferential treatment for foreign investors.

Mayor Arcay noted that the fee collection is based on an ordinance, asserting that resorts are not authorized to collect these fees.

He explained that the local government established the collection point to ensure proper enforcement of the ordinance.

Arcay noted that guides from the local government unit (LGU) face difficulties accessing the resorts, suggesting that only unauthorized guides are being utilized.

Arcay clarified that the fee collection point is solely located at Napaling Point and not at other popular spots like Alona Beach.

He said that while not all visitors to Alona Beach engage in diving activities, Napaling Point is specifically known for its sardine schools, making diving the primary activity there.

Addressing concerns about structures within the salvage zone, Arcay said that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the building official.

He reiterated that he cannot interfere with the building official’s duties in determining which structures to demolish or spare.

Arcay also mentioned that he will not issue mayor’s permits for structures that remain within the salvage zone, citing the mandate of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The mayor denied any knowledge of foreign investors receiving favorable treatment for expedited issuance of business permits, even if such investors were involved in illegal activities.

He also refuted allegations of receiving bribes or having personal ties with foreign investors.

The City Agriculture and Veterinary Office (CAVO) reported that another barangay in Tagbilaran has been affected by African Swine Fever (ASF), this time in Purok 1 of barangay Dao.

Dr. Carl Leonard Pradera of CAVO stated that four pigs tested positive for ASF using a rapid test. These pigs were owned by a single individual.

Additionally, two pigs from a neighboring owner within a 100-meter radius of the suspected case were culled and buried as a precautionary measure.

CAVO has initiated surveillance in the area, collecting blood samples from pigs within a 500-meter radius of the suspected case.

The veterinary office is currently awaiting the results of these tests.

Barangay officials in Dao are closely monitoring the movement of swine, similar to the measures taken in barangay Bool, where ASF was previously detected.

Pradera noted that no new cases have been reported in Bool, but monitoring remains stringent.

A tricycle group operating inside the Tagbilaran Tourist Seaport has admitted that its members do not follow a fare matrix, amid allegations of overcharging from passengers.

Reports surfaced that some tricycle drivers have been demanding excessive fares, with one passenger allegedly charged P250 for a ride from the seaport to the bus terminal.

City Councilor Lawrence Ancla also shared his experience of alleged overpricing, saying he was asked to pay P100 for a short trip from the seaport to Tamblot Street.

When asked if they have a fare matrix, representatives of the tricycle group admitted they do not.

However, they denied allegations of overcharging and assured the public that any member found guilty of such practices would be expelled from the group.

The issue of overcharging tricycles was among the concerns discussed during a city council meeting on Monday, as complaints about transport services within the seaport continue to mount.

TAGBILARAN CITY—A peace rally in support of former President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte took place at Plaza Rizal in Tagbilaran City yesterday.

Protesters condemned what they described as the illegal arrest of Duterte on March 11, 2025.

Bohol has been recognized as a "Duterte country" in the Visayas, where he secured a victory in the 2016 elections.

In the 2022 elections, Sara Duterte garnered a record 594,000 votes in the province, while President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. received just over 500,000 out of the 949,791 total registered voters.

Many believed Marcos benefited from Sara’s popularity, which contributed to his win.

However, after a year in office, Marcos recorded a -8% trust rating in the province.

As of now, no elected official in Bohol has issued a statement regarding Duterte’s arrest.

The Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCC) convened yesterday a meeting at Camp Francisco Dagohoy, Tagbilaran City, to discuss the latest updates and preparations for the upcoming 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE).

Key officials from the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) attended the meeting to coordinate election security measures. Discussions included the deployment of election paraphernalia and the activation of the Committee on Kontra-Bigay, aimed at preventing vote-buying.

Among those present were:

• PCOL Arnel Banzon, Provincial Director, Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO)
• Atty. Eliseo R.Z.B. Labaria, Provincial Election Supervisor
• PLTCOL Joey M. Bicoy, Deputy Provincial Director for Operations
• PMAJ Joseph F. Lopena, Deputy Chief, Provincial Operations and Management Unit (POMU)
• MAJOR Jayrod L. Cabahug, Officer-in-Charge, Task Group Bohol
• LtJG Romulo D. Balonga Jr., Station Commander, Western Bohol
• ENS Jerick E. Maglangit, Station Commander, Eastern Bohol
• Atty. Roco T. Lamanilao, Election Officer IV, Office of the Election Officer (OEO) – Tagbilaran City

The meeting tackled on inter-agency coordination to ensure a peaceful, clean, and orderly election.

Authorities are preparing for the proper deployment of election materials to prevent disruptions and security threats.

One of the key priorities discussed was the Committee on Kontra-Bigay, which will implement stringent measures against vote-buying and election fraud.

PJSCC said it reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a secure and credible electoral process in Bohol, with continued coordination among agencies in the lead-up to the 2025 elections.

Philippine Senator Pia Cayetano visited the province last week as part of her reelection campaign, making a courtesy call on Gov. Aris Aumentado at the provincial capitol.

Gov. Aumentado expressed his gratitude to Cayetano for her support of local education programs, particularly her assistance to the Japer Memorial High School Robotics Team. The team is set to compete in the World First Lego League in Houston, Texas, in April 2025.

Accompanying Aumentado in welcoming Cayetano were Albur Mayor Don Ritchie Buates, Baclayon Mayor Alvin Uy, Lila Mayor Jed Piollo, Board Member Lucille Lagunay, SK Federated President Lawrence Xavier Ancla, and several department heads.

Cayetano, a member of the Nationalista Party, is among the senatorial candidates endorsed by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. under the administration-backed coalition, Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas.

The Talibon Municipal Police Station, led by Police Major Romar Labasbas, and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Talibon, headed by Election Officer Atty. Rouel Alquizala, spearheaded a series of election-related activities last week.

The event included a Holy Mass, a Unity Walk, a Candidates Forum, and the signing of a Peace Covenant, aimed at ensuring a peaceful and orderly 2025 Midterm National and Local Elections.

Among those in attendance were re-electionist Mayor Janette Garcia and her slate, as well as her opponent, Councilor Jaypee Flores, and his team.

Independent candidates also participated in the gathering.

The activity was supported by religious leaders, law enforcement agencies, interfaith groups, local officials, and advocacy organizations.

According to PMaj. Labasbas, the event was part of efforts to promote peace, order, and integrity in the upcoming elections.

The Bohol 1 Electric Cooperative (BOHECO I) has reaffirmed its commitment to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) advocacy for quality education, particularly for students in public schools within its franchise area.

As part of its support, BOHECO I has implemented three key projects under the Adopt-A-School Program:

1. BOHECO I’s BEST (Boosting Excellence among Students Today) – Recognizing students who have achieved academic excellence by awarding them the Medallion of Excellence. A total of 554 public elementary and high school students will receive the award.

2. Brigada Electric Check – A rewiring and electrical enhancement initiative aimed at improving the safety of classrooms and other school facilities.

3. Pack ‘n Tops – A program providing essential school supplies to students.

On March 4, 2025, BOHECO I and DepEd formalized their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the MetroCentre Hotel in Tagbilaran City.

The Adopt-A-School Program, established under Republic Act No. 8525, encourages private sector participation in strengthening public education by allowing companies and organizations to support public elementary, secondary, and tertiary schools.

BOHECO I’s educational support shows its dedication to empowering students and ensuring a safe, conducive learning environment for future generations.