The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Bohol is set to probe two contentious issues: the alleged mishandling of medical aid distribution and the declined offer to repurchase shares in a local power company, according to Acting Vice Governor Benjie Arcamo.

The SP will convene as a Committee of the Whole on August 1 to investigate claims of irregularities in the distribution of Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) medical aid, according to a notice of meeting dated July 24.

Allegations suggest that beneficiaries received only 3,000 pesos out of the intended 7,000 pesos in aid. 

The probe was previously delayed at the request of the executive department to allow for an internal investigation.

“As the deadline nears, it’s time to probe the allegations,” Arcamo told The Bohol Tribune. 

He added that any findings from the Provincial Legal Officer would not be binding on the SP.

The meeting will also address the provincial government’s decision to reject an offer to buy back 70% of shares in Bohol Light Company Inc. (BLCI) from the Salcon Group.

“We will listen to the personalities who raised concerns about the move to decline the offer,” Arcamo said, indicating the BLCI issue would be discussed after the AICS matter.

The notice lists 17 officials and stakeholders summoned to the meeting, including provincial administrators, legal officers, and representatives from BLCI and the Center for Governance Accountability and Review.

Based on the notice of meeting obtained by The Bohol Tribune, here are the full names of the 17 officials and stakeholders summoned:

1. P.A. Asteria C. Caberte, Provincial Administrator

2. Atty. Handel T. Lagunay, Provincial Legal Officer

3. Mr. Peter Ross M. Retutal, Provincial Budget and Management Officer

4. Ms. Clarissa Baluma, Assistant Head, Provincial Accountant’s Office

5. Mr. Eustaquio A. Socorin, Provincial Treasurer

6. Ms. May D. Limbaga, Provincial Internal Audit Officer

7. Mr. Rene Y. Jayag, Provincial Assessor

8. Ms. Ma. Imelda Borromeo, ENP, Provincial Planning and Development Office

9. Mr. Argeo J. Melisimo, Director, Bohol Light Company, Inc. (BLCI)

10. Mr. Norris C. Oculam, Director, Bohol Light Company, Inc. (BLCI)

11. Mr. Leoncio B. Evasco, Jr., Chairman, Center for Governance Accountability and Review

12. Atty. Dan Neri Lim, Vice Chairman, Center for Governance Accountability and Review

13. Ret. Judge Suceso Arcamo, Member, Center for Governance Accountability and Review

14. Ret. Pros. Macario Delusa, Member, Center for Governance Accountability and Review

15. Mr. Emmanuel Ramasola, Member, Center for Governance Accountability and Review

16. Atty. Jordan M. Pizarras, Pizarras, Flores, Subia and Associates Law Offices

17. The Committee Secretariat (not individually named)

These individuals, along with “ALL HONORABLE SP MEMBERS” of the Province of Bohol, were listed as recipients of the notice of meeting.

Originally scheduled for July 18, the meeting was postponed following the death of Vice Governor Dionisio Victor A. Balite, according to the document signed by Venzencio B. Arcamo, Acting Chairperson of the Committee of the Whole.

The SP’s move to investigate comes amid a leadership transition, with Arcamo stepping in as Acting Vice Governor. The probes signal renewed attention to issues that had been sidelined in recent weeks.

SPC Power Corp. announced in May 2024 the sale of nearly 30 million common shares in BLCI to Primelectric Holdings Inc., a subsidiary of More Electric and Power Corporation, owned by tycoon Enrique K. Razon. 

The transaction, valued at P6.67 per share, totals P199.5 million. Although the exact percentage of SPC Power’s stake in BLCI remains undisclosed, the sale has shocked Evasco and Dan Lim, all of CGAR, due to its small price being declared despite the fact that BLCI’s assets are worth billions of pesos.

Despite recent changes in majority ownership, the provincial government of Bohol said it remains committed to retaining its 30 percent stake in BLCI.