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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.

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