A Boholano whistleblower has criticized the party alignment of the Asenso Pa More alliance in Tagbilaran City, calling it confusing.
Ronie Orillosa, a fearless critic of Bohol politics, made the comments during recent appearance on the “Open Forum” radio program over DYTR.
He noted that Mayor Jane Yap and her husband, John Geesnell Yap, have joined the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), while Vice Mayor Adam Jala and other members of the alliance, including Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Bohol chapter president Nick Besas, have joined the Nationalista Party (NP).
“This move does not make sense to the ordinary voter and might result in confusion,” Orillosa said.
The Asenso Pa More alliance is a local coalition of politicians aligned with Mayor Yap and her husband.
Orillosa noted that similar party alignment issues exist in other local groups, including Abante.
For example, Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado is a member of the PFP, while his wife, Rep. Vanvan Aumentado, is a member of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD).
Similarly, Rep. Kristine Alexie Tutor is a member of Lakas, while her father is a member of the Nacionalista Party.
Orillosa, known for his outspoken views on politics and governance, has been critical of Bohol politicians and their party affiliations.
He has expressed admiration for the leadership style of Cong. Edgar Chatto and has called for more transparency and accountability in local government.
Orillosa is a regular guest on the “Open Forum” program, which airs weekdays from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. on dyTR.
CITY OFFICIALS JOIN NP
The Team Asenso Pa More of Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap has shifted allegiance to the Nationalista Party (NP) ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.
NP Director Senator Mark Villar administered the oath to Vice Mayor Adam Relson Jala and nine other candidates for city councilor positions at the Senate on Wednesday morning.
Those who took the oath alongside Jala were incumbent councilors Tim Butalid, Charles Cabalit, Bebot Budlong, Butchie Zamora, and Gemma Inting, as well as newcomers Edi Borja, Dodong Gonzaga, Gian Besas, and Merrick Blanco.
The oath-taking ceremony was witnessed by Mayor Jane Yap and City Councilor Ondoy Borja.
However, Mayor Yap and her husband, former Mayor Baba Yap, had recently sworn allegiance to the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), the party of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, in a ceremony led by Party President South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr in Bacolod City.
PFP is also the party of Governor Aris Aumentado. The NP and PFP have formed an alliance.
One candidate from Team Asenso Pa More was absent from the oath-taking ceremony, and Mayor Yap has yet to disclose the identity of the tenth candidate.
DAMALERIO, KARAAN ADDITION
City Councilor Atoy Torralba, a mayoralty candidate in Tagbilaran City, has confirmed that two new members have joined his lineup ahead of the 2025 elections.
Former 1st District Board Member and current chief of staff of Cong. Edgar M. Chatto, Atty. Abeleon Damalerio, and former Poblacion 1 barangay captain and current barangay kagawad Arlene Karaan have been added to Torralba’s slate, he revealed in an interview with Bohol media.
The two new additions join incumbent City Councilor Ody Glovasa and Poblacion 2 Kagawad Elmer Taldo, who were previously announced as part of Torralba’s lineup.
Torralba, who will be running against incumbent City Mayor Jane Yap in the 2025 midterm elections, said that his team will be heading to Manila next week to formalize their affiliation with the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) party.
The new additions are expected to boost Torralba’s bid for the mayoralty post, as he seeks to unseat Yap in the upcoming elections.