BY DAVE SUAN ALBARADO
A high-ranking official in Bohol Capitol’s anti-graft body has resigned from his position, citing alleged corruption and negligence in the provincial government’s handling of a critical infrastructure takeover.
Atty. Dan Neri Lim, Vice-Chair of the Office of the Government Accountability and Review (OGAR), submitted his resignation letter to Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado on October 8, 2024, expressing disturbing issues over selling of the Bohol Light Company, Inc. (BLCI) to a company tied to billionaire Enrique Razon, a casino operator.
In his scathing letter, Lim accused the governor of turning a blind eye to the unauthorized takeover of BLCI by the new private operator.
“The recent development involving the take-over of BLCI by another private operator without the prior written approval of the Provincial Government of Bohol betrays the creation of OGAR,” Lim wrote in the letter furnished to Former Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr.
Evasco has not made a public pronouncement in reaction to the gubernatorial candidacy of Atty. Lim.
The letter alleges that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the provincial legislative body, had already “washed its hands on the issue” by issuing a resolution urging legal action against the takeover.
However, Lim claims this call to action went unheeded.
“You carried on as if there was nothing unusual in the transaction. You kept your silence so as to buy innocence,” Lim said, directing his words at Governor Aumentado.
He further asserted, “The pretension of innocence, I believe, is a gross inexcusable negligence when it involves monetary damages to the government and the public.”
Lim didn’t mince words in characterizing the governor’s alleged inaction: “It is a corrupt act punishable by law when someone allows someone to perpetuate something to the prejudice of the government and the public.”
The resigning official expressed regret over the turn of events, saying, “It is with deep sadness that it has to end this way. I am parting with you, carrying no personal animosity.”
Lim, who claims to have advocated for fair and affordable electric and water services throughout his career, concluded his letter by emphasizing the importance of the issue: “It can’t stop now, especially with what is happening in BLCI.”
The governor’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment on these allegations.
On the other hand, former City Mayor Dan Neri Lim has vowed to make the contentious purchase of Bohol Light Company Inc. (BLCI) shares by Primelectric Holdings Inc. (PHI) a major election issue, as he filed his certificate of candidacy on October 8, 2024.
Lim, the standard bearer of the opposition group, including stalwarts of Padayon Bol-anon, has been critical of the provincial government’s alleged inaction in the sale of 70 percent of BLCI shares previously owned by Salcon Power Corporation (SPC) to PHI, a holding company led by Enrique Razon, for a small amount of P199 million pesos.
During a media interaction on October 8, Lim said the issue would be a critical point in his campaign, stressing the direction the province would take in the next three years.
Lim claimed that the sale would have significant implications for the province’s development.
Lim’s decision to make the BLCI purchase a key campaign issue is likely to intensify the rivalry between him and Governor Aumentado, as the province gears up for the 2025 elections.
Meanwhile, the new majority owner of BLCI has vowed to lower electricity rates in the city of Tagbilaran through the power distribution utility.
Roel Castro, president and CEO of MORE Power, made the promise after his company acquired a 70% stake in BLCI from the Salcon consortium.
Castro also announced that the transition process has begun to implement changes in the management system, including the adoption of new customer service, billing, and other programs.
He added that MORE Power will invest a significant amount of money to upgrade and rehabilitate the power distribution system within BLCI’s service area.
“Our goal is to make the consumers happy in dealing with Bohol Light,” Castro said.
MORE Power’s acquisition of BLCI is expected to bring changes to the power distribution utility, which serves the city of Tagbilaran.
The company’s promise to lower electricity rates is likely to be welcomed by consumers, who have been seeking relief from high power costs.