BY DAVE SUAN ALBARADO
The mayor of Tagbilaran City is facing a graft complaint for allegedly issuing business permits to a beach resort owned by her in-laws despite its expired foreshore lease agreement, according to documents filed with the Office of the Ombudsman.
Mayor Jane Censoria C. Yap was accused of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for granting business permits to Bohol Tropics Resort in 2023 and 2024, even though its 25-year Foreshore Lease Agreement (FLA) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) had expired in 2022.
“Mayor Yap knowingly approved and granted business permits to Bohol Tropics Resort despite the fact that it lacks the required FLA,” complainant Atty. Dan Neri Lim, former mayor of Tagbilaran City, wrote in his September 26 filing.
“She could not deny that she gave unwarranted advantage to a business entity owned by her husband’s family despite the absence of a legal requirement to operate,” Atty. Lim said.
The complaint cited an August 21, 2024 letter from DENR Region VII Officer-in-Charge Charlie Fabre confirming that John Yap, the mayor’s father-in-law and owner of Bohol Tropics Resort, was still “on the process of renewal of lease contract” for the area occupied by the resort.
“The FLA has not been renewed since the expiration of the term in the year 2022. Therefore, Bohol Tropics Resort has been operating illegally since a FLA is a requirement for its occupation of the foreshore,” Lim argued in his complaint.
The case specifically alleges violations of Section 3(e) and 3(j) of Republic Act 3019, which prohibit public officials from causing undue injury to the government or granting unwarranted benefits to private parties, and from knowingly approving permits to unqualified entities.
Lim, who identified himself as a taxpayer and concerned citizen of Tagbilaran City, has requested the Ombudsman to conduct an investigation and file appropriate criminal and administrative charges.
He also asked for Mayor Yap’s preventive suspension during the investigation to prevent potential interference.
The complaint comes amid growing scrutiny of environmental permits in the tourism-dependent province of Bohol.
This year, Bohol was the center of Senate investigation following Gov. Aris Aumentado’s granting of illegal permit to a resort constructed at the foot of the Chocolate Hills.
Bohol environmental groups have recently raised concerns about proper regulation of coastal development projects.
Mayor Yap’s office has not yet responded to Tribune’s request for comment on the allegations.
Bohol Tropics Resort, a prominent establishment along Tagbilaran Bay, has been operating under the Yap family’s management since 1997 when the original foreshore lease agreement was signed.