Damalerio welcomes changes in OGAR order 

First district Board Member Aldner Damalerio welcomes the changes in the scope of the Office of Government Accountability and Review (OGAR) where the transactions of the present administration is now included in the review.

Damalerio gave a statement during his radio interview over Newsmakers ug Uban Pa on Jan. 4, 2023, hosted by Ardy Araneta-Batoy and Dave Albarado.

In an earlier interview in the month of December, the board member raised the question, among other issues, why the OGAR is focusing only on transactions done before July 1, 2022.

Based on section 2 (a) of Executive Order No. 2 series of 2022 by Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, it clearly states that the OGAR is tasked to identify the actuations of the Provincial Government of Bohol officials committed prior to July 1, 2022.

This means that the acts of the administrations of former Gov. Arthur Yap and former Gov. Edgar Chatto are covered as the ones covered as these happened prior to July 1. 2022.

Some observers say that even the acts of the administration of the former governor, the late Gov. Erico Aumentado (who is the father of incumbernt Gov. Aris Aumentado) should also be covered by the OGAR. 

Damalerio also questioned why the OGAR is taking a look at the prior administrations and does not include the acts and transactions of the present administration.

The board member in his interview said he welcomes the move of the governor by issuing Executive Order No. 2-A, which is an amendment to the earlier executive order signed on June 30, 2022, which expands the coverage of the OGAR.

In the new version, the governor orders OGAR to identify the acts of the officers and employees of the Provincial Government of Bohol, which appear to be in violation of the anti-graft and corrupt practices act and the code of conduct and ethical standards for government officials and employees.

Damalerio said the change in the rules governing OGAR signed on Dec. 16, 2022 validates his stand that accountability should cover not just the previous administration but also the current one.