Gov. Arthur Yap is setting the record straight on issues leveled against him by critics particularly on the issue of high prices of commodities following the onslaught of typhoon Odette and his conflict with a local chief executive.
The governor revealed his sentiments in a radio interview over Open Forum on May 5, 2022, hosted by the sister tandem of Ardy Araneta-Batoy and Gloria Araneta.
The governor went on air as he was given his right to reply to the charges issued by a certain Romy Tolonghari in the latter’s program also aired in dyTR’s Balita FM 91.1.
The management of dyTR has chosen the Open Forum program produced by The Bohol Tribune as the venue where the governor can air his reply to issues discussed in Tolonghari’s program.
Araneta asked the governor about what measures were done by the provincial government to solve the high commodity of prices especially after typhoon Odette hit the province back in December 2021.
The governor explained and enumerated what the provincial government has been doing in order to stabilize the prices of commodities following typhoon Odette.
He said that the priority activities following the typhoon were focused on helping the farmers and fisherfolks impacted by the calamity.
The impact of the typhoon to farmers and fisherfolks also affected the food supply in bohol thus causing a spike in prices, yap said.
Yap also said that to encourage the farmers to produce food, the governor looked for ways to create a ready market set to buy the farmers’ products at the right price.
“This is our assurance sa mga farmers. If they continue to plant, the market is ready to buy their produce,” Yap told Batoy and Araneta.
He explained that nationwide, the problem of food prices is rooted on the buying price in the market.
Additionally, the governor explained that the provincial government focused first on providing relief items to all typhoon victims including the farmers and fisherfolks.
He said that everyone received food packs and water, which are the basic needs of people who are typhoon victims.
The governor said that he also took steps to provide drinking water supply by providing generator sets to some of the water refilling stations in the province.
As this developed, Batoy asked why Loboc mayor Leon Calipusan seems to have an axe to grind against him.
In his reply to Batoy’s question, the governor gave a speculation for the possible reason why Mayor Calipusan has become one of his staunch critics.
The governor surmised that the ire of Calipusan may be rooted on the fact that the provincial government stopped the quarry operations in barangays Bonbon Upper and Bonbon Lower. Supposedly, the quarry operation is backed by the local government unit (LGU) of Loboc led by Calipusan.
The governor said that if the LGU would apply for a permit, he is open for discussions.
Yap emphasized that the fees collected by the provincial government from quarry operations increased under his watch.
Moreover, Batoy asked the governor why he seems to be calm despite the tirades and alleged fake news thrown against him, as he refuses to engage in arguments and banters.
The governor commented that he has no problem replying to comments but he has no time to engage in arguments and banters.
He added that there is no advantage in engaging with arguments as a candidate or public servant.
This is his reaction to the question of Batoy as to why the governor maintains his calmness despite the tirades.
Meanwhile, Batoy asked about the outlet where the governor’s critics were airing his tirades. The governor then mentioned station dyRD and its newspaper the Bohol Chronicle. The media outlet has been perceived to be critical to Yap’s administration.
The governor said that he was the one who helped station dyRD renew its franchise, when Yap was still the congressman of the 3rd district.
The governor emphasized this information because dyRD is now perceived to be actively criticizing the governor and his allies by allegedly distorting some facts against him.