BY DAVE SUAN ALBARADO
Bohol First District Congressman Atty. Edgar Chatto downplayed his exclusion from the Abante Bohol ticket, saying he never expected to be endorsed by the political bloc in the first place.
Chatto made the statement during an interview over DYTR’s “Newsmakers ug Uban Pa” episode on Oct. 11, 2024.
He was reacting to Abante Bohol’s decision to support vlogger and former Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell “Baba” Yap for the first district congressional seat.
There had been speculation that Chatto might be tapped as Abante’s bet for the seat, especially after Yap was absent during the simultaneous filing of certificates of candidacy on Oct. 3, 2024.
However, the speculation was put to rest when Abante Bohol officially endorsed Yap.
Chatto said he is happy that everything turned out as he expected.
“I am still happy. I expected the results. It was expected. I never expected that as far as Abante is concerned that I would be endorsed,” he said.
The congressman, who is seeking to complete another three terms in 2025, said his group is ready to do battle and continue serving the people.
He also wished the Abante Bohol group good luck.
Meanwhile, Chatto’s group has fielded a bet to run against incumbent Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, who is being challenged by former Tagbilaran City Mayor Atty. Dan Neri Lim.
Lim is Yap’s uncle, but the two have been at odds due to property disputes. According to Lim’s repeated pronouncements, Baba’s mother, Geesnel, allegedly had the upper hand in taking over their parents’s inheritance.
Meanwhile, Chatto had denied rumors that some of his supporters were offered incentives to bolt and join another group.
He also laughed off allegations that his group offered P5 million to Lim to run for governor, saying Lim is the best person to clarify the allegations.
“I am not in the business of offering incentives. My service to the people is my incentive,” Chatto said.