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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.

Three senatorial candidates from the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas (Alliance for a New Philippines)—former senator and boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino, and former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos—visited Bohol last week.

The candidates attended a gathering at the Bohol Cultural Center in Tagbilaran City, where they were joined by Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado and Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap.

The Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas is composed of allies of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and includes members from Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, Lakas-CMD, the National Unity Party (NUP), the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), and the Nacionalista Party.

During the event, reelectionist Senator Tolentino urged Filipinos to consider Palawan as their next travel destination. He reiterated this call in a radio interview, encouraging those planning vacations to visit Palawan and share their experiences on social media to promote local tourism.

Tolentino pointed out that boosting tourism in Palawan could strengthen the local economy and counter false claims about the province’s history circulating on Chinese social media.

He cited Palawan’s top tourist destinations, including the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park—both UNESCO World Heritage Sites—as well as Honda Bay, El Nido, and Coron.

The senator is the principal author of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (Republic Act No. 12064), which reinforces the country’s territorial integrity and asserts the Philippines’ rights in the West Philippine Sea under international law.

Senatorial candidate and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has proposed concrete solutions to address the rising cost of fish products in Bohol, support local farmers, and strengthen the tourism sector while tackling the alarming issue of coastal erosion affecting seaside communities.

A longtime advocate against poverty and for economic reforms, Pacquiao cited the need for direct government intervention to stabilize fish prices.

He suggested subsidies for local fisheries to reduce operational costs, additional funding for modern fishing equipment, and stricter enforcement against illegal fishing that depletes marine resources.

Beyond fisheries, Pacquiao reaffirmed his commitment to recognizing the vital role of farmers and the agricultural sector.

His plans include expanding farm-to-market roads, improving irrigation systems, and promoting sustainable farming technologies.

Recognizing Bohol’s tourism potential, Pacquiao highlighted the need to revitalize the industry post-pandemic.

He pledged to push for increased government funding for tourism-related projects and incentives for businesses promoting eco-tourism.

Pacquiao also raised concerns over the coastal erosion threatening livelihoods and homes in Bohol.

He called for an urgent coastal protection program, including mangrove reforestation, stricter environmental regulations, and long-term studies on land subsidence mitigation.

As he continues his senatorial campaign, Pacquiao assured Boholanos of his commitment to delivering real solutions to their daily struggles.

With his track record in public service and strong grassroots connection, he aims to bring his “heart for the masses” leadership to the Senate, focusing on practical policies that directly impact Filipinos’ lives.

A total of 41 local government units (LGUs) in Bohol, representing 85% of the province’s LGUs, have passed the Good Financial Housekeeping (GFH) assessment for Calendar Year 2024.

These LGUs demonstrated strong financial transparency and accountability, earning either an Unqualified or Qualified Audit Opinion from the Commission on Audit.

On March 3, 2025, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) released the official list of passing LGUs through its Facebook page.

The municipalities that met the GFH criteria include Alburquerque, Alicia, Antequera, Baclayon, Balilihan, Batuan, Bien Unido, Bilar, Calape, Candijay, Carmen, Catigbian, Clarin, Corella, Cortes, Dagohoy, Danao, Dauis, Dimiao, Garcia Hernandez, Guindulman, Inabanga, Lila, Loay, Loboc, Loon, Maribojoc, Panglao, Pilar, President Carlos P. Garcia, Sagbayan, San Isidro, San Miguel, Sevilla, Sierra Bullones, Sikatuna, Trinidad, Tubigon, Ubay, Valencia, and the city of Tagbilaran.

The 41 LGUs complied with the Full Disclosure Policy (FDP), ensuring the timely and complete posting of required financial documents across three platforms and the FDP portal.

GFH is a program under the DILG that recognizes LGUs practicing transparent and accountable fiscal management. It is a key component of the Seal of Good Local Governance and affirms an LGU’s adherence to accounting and auditing standards.

LGUs that pass the GFH assessment qualify for the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) and may receive additional programs and capacity-building support from the DILG.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has launched an investigation into the alleged “hostage fee” imposed on passengers’ luggage at Tagbilaran City seaport, aiming for a long-term solution.

Board Member Atty. Jamie Villamor, chair of the tourism committee, noted the need to address the issue holistically rather than applying “band-aid solutions.”

The probe follows a complaint from Christiannae Pizarras Cagas, who claimed she was unexpectedly charged an extra fee for her baggage.

Upon arriving from Cebu via fastcraft, she and her companion paid ₱400 to a porter, only to be told by Global Port staff that they had to pay an additional ₱100 per large box and ₱50 per small one.

Cagas questioned the lack of signage, announcements, and clear criteria for the charges. “It felt like a hostage situation,” she said. “If we didn’t pay, our baggage wouldn’t be released.”

She also lamented about how the policy affects seniors and solo travelers with heavy luggage.

Board Member Atty. Tomas Abapo Jr. urged the SP to investigate possible discourtesy or incompetence on the part of the port management and assess whether the city port is tourist-friendly.

Cagas called on authorities, including the Philippine Ports Authority, to clarify baggage fees and consider implementing a standardized tariff.

The SP is set to continue its inquiry.

PANGALAO, Bohol – Authorities seized more than P20 million worth of suspected shabu and a firearm during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Poblacion, Panglao, on Feb. 23, 2025.

The operation, led by the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), resulted in the arrest of Clifford Autida, 34, of Barangay Dampas, Tagbilaran City.

Autida had been under surveillance for three weeks before the sting operation was conducted.

According to police, Autida was apprehended after selling illegal drugs to an undercover operative. Seized from his possession were three kilograms of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P20.4 million, along with a .45 caliber pistol.

Authorities said charges for violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as well as illegal possession of a firearm, are being prepared against the suspect.