CONG. EDGAR CHATTO FORMER MAYOR “BABA” YAP
Returning politician John Geesnall “Baba” Yap has emerged as a formidable contender in the race for Bohol’s first district congressional seat.
Despite facing experienced Rep. Edgar Chatto, Yap has secured the backing of several incumbent mayors, adding momentum to his campaign.
But the camp of Chatto, according to sources, remains unfazed over Baba’s intrusion in politics, saying “lingin pa ang bola, and we are ready up to Game 7.”
During his presentation at the Bohol Tropics on June 18, 2024, Yap garnered support from both former and current mayors.
However, political observers note that Chatto still holds some strategic cards up his sleeve.
While Yap’s outreach efforts in 1st district barangays hinted at his congressional aspirations, his ability to rally mayors and former mayors underscores meticulous planning.
Cortes Mayor Lynn Ivan Lim, Corella Mayor Juan Manuel Lim, and Baclayon Mayor Alvin Uy are among those who have publicly endorsed Yap.
Antequera Mayor Jose Pahang, Calape Mayor Julius Cessar Herrera, and Maribojoc Mayor Romulo Manuta have also thrown their support behind Yap.
Notably, Yap’s backing primarily comes from councilors in Catigbian and Balilihan—strongholds associated with Chatto.
In Sikatuna, former Mayor Jose Ellorimo Jr. attended Yap’s event, while incumbent Mayor Justiniana Ellorimo remained absent.
The latter has praised Chatto’s contributions to local road development, leaving uncertainty about her alignment.
Catigbian mayoral aspirant Benjie Oliva has unequivocally endorsed Chatto for congressman.
Suspended Catigbian Mayor Elizabeth Mandin will not seek re-election in 2025.
Tubigon remains a wildcard, with only a former mayor expressing support for Yap so far.
Meanwhile, Dauis Vice Mayor Marietta Sumaylo’s endorsement adds intrigue—will incumbent Mayor Roman Bullen follow suit?
In Panglao, Vice Mayor Noel Hormachuelos and former Mayor Doloreich Dumaluam stand firmly behind Yap.
The question remains: Will incumbent Mayor Edgardo Arcay place his bet on Chatto?
Their anticipated mayoralty showdown in 2025 awaits.
HERRERA FACTOR
Calape Mayor Julius Caesar Herrera, a staunch endorser, declared his intention to back Yap’s congressional bid during the 2023 town fiesta.
The gathering at The Bohol Tropics last week included notable figures such as Albuquerque ABC President Alan Tesiona, former Councilor Ritchie Lim, Leah Balite-Lim, Antequera Mayor Jose Mario Pahang, Baclayon Mayor Alvin Uy, and former Balilihan Councilor EB Chatto.
Other attendees included Calape Mayor Julius Herera, whose son Marcus Julius Herera aims to become a Board Member in the 1st District.
Roldan Damalerio and Dee Zulueta, both Calape councilors, expressed their support.
Representatives from other municipalities, including Catigbian Councilor Rolando Saraum, Corella Mayor Manju Lim, Cortes Mayor Iven Lim, Cortes Councilor Ira Lim, Dauis Vice Mayor Miriam Sumaylo, Loon Councilor Ana Lisa Go, Maribojoc Mayor Romulo Manuta, Panglao Vice Mayor Noel Hormachuelos, and Panglao’s Dr. Doloreich Dumaluan, joined the gathering.
Former Sikatuna Mayor Jose Ellorimo Jr. was present, while incumbent Mayor Justiniana Ellorimo’s absence raised questions about her political alignment.
Tubigon’s former mayor also expressed support for Yap.
AIR JORDAN MOVES
Now, the question on everyone’s mind is whether lawyer Jordan Pizarras will also enter the race.
Pizarras has never categorically stated that he will run for Congress or any position, but there are strong indications pointing to his intent for the 2025 elections.
Rumors suggest that he aims to become a solon, given his active presence on social media and his use of the hashtag #tigpanalipud (defender).
Tarpaulins bearing Pizarras’ name have been spotted in various locations within the first district.
His involvement in the case of Roselyn “Osie” Gaoiran has garnered media attention, and he has been in contact with barangay officials.
Speculation also surrounds Pizarras’ connections with the camp of suspended Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado.
However, the specifics of any political moves from Pizarras’ side remain unclear.
Recently, political commentator and Aumentado ally Emmanuel “Willy” Ramasola alleged that Rep. Edgar Chatto’s former provincial administrator, Alfonso “Ae” Damalerio, had discussions with Pizarras. Damalerio refuted these insinuations on social media.
The plot thickens as Pizarras faces decisions: Should he continue pushing for a congressional seat, or might he opt to run for board member instead?
In the first district, Abante Bohol currently has one incumbent board member, Lucille Lagunay.
There’s speculation that Goldie Herrera, daughter of Calape Mayor Julius Caesar Herrera, may also run for board member.
Meanwhile, Padayon Bol-anon boasts two incumbent board members, Benjie Arcamo and Aldner Damalerio.
Reports suggest that Arcamo is willing to run for vice governor if Padayon fields a strong standard bearer in next year’s midterm elections.
Pizarras’ potential candidacy could impact Rep. Chatto’s chances. If he runs, Abante Bohol votes may split between Pizarras and Baba Yap.
Conversely, if Pizarras withdraws, Baba Yap would likely secure solid support from Abante voters.
Rep. Chatto faces his strongest opponent yet, with Baba Yap’s declaration to run for congressman.
In 2019, Baba Yap’s uncle, Dan Neri Lim, challenged Chatto but lost.
DENIAL PA MORE
Previously, Baba Yap vehemently denied any such plans, focusing instead on community support initiatives, including providing uniforms for basketball enthusiasts in various Bohol towns.
Now that the cat is out of the bag, Yap has confirmed his decision to join Abante Bohol and run for congress.
His alignment with Abante places him alongside incumbent Second District Representative Maria Vanessa Aumentado and Third District Representative Kristine Alexie Tutor.
Political observers consider Baba Yap’s move a masterstroke—a strategic decision that could reshape the political landscape.
Notably, this means that Aumentado will no longer face Baba Yap in the gubernatorial race, as the latter was seen as a formidable challenger to Aumentado’s regime at the Capitol.
Yap’s candidacy sets the stage for an intriguing battle against incumbent Representative Edgar Chatto.
While Yap enjoys strong youth sector support, Chatto’s extensive political experience gives him the upper hand.
Chatto has been entrenched in politics long before Baba Yap entered the scene.
The clash between these two contenders promises excitement, with youth versus experience at the forefront.
Baba Yap’s support from some Bohol mayors in the 1st district contrasts with Chatto’s established base in strongholds like Balilihan, Sikatuna, and Catigbian.
Tubigon remains a potential battleground, given its significant voter population.
Tagbilaran City serves as Baba Yap’s home turf, having served three terms as mayor from 2010 to 2019.
The city’s substantial voter base poses a challenge for Chatto, even though the seasoned politician enjoys local support—possibly from his brother-in-law, former Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso.
As the Capitol race intensifies, suspended Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado cryptically hints at a “rematch.”
The stakes are high, and all eyes are on the unfolding political drama.