Gubernatorial aspirant Atty. Dan Neri Lim has filed a case against Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado before the Ombudsman, alleging that the governor failed to take action regarding the sale of SPC Power Corp.’s 70% stake in Bohol Light Company Inc. (BLCI) to a group led by billionaire Enrique Razon.
During a press conference held at Metro Center Hotel on November 4, 2024, Lim, a former mayor of Tagbilaran City, claimed that shortcuts were taken to expedite the sale, which should have undergone public bidding and benefited the people of Bohol.
Lim alleged that Aumentado may have violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
According to Lim, SPC Power Corp. did not have the authority to sell its BLCI shares without written permission from the provincial government.
He cited the Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) between SPC Power Corp. and the provincial government, which states that if the private consortium’s stake is sold, prior written permission from the provincial government is required, or the joint venture is terminated.
Lim claimed that he had written to the provincial government to terminate the JVA after SPC Power Corp. sold its stake to Razon’s group without prior written approval.
However, he alleged that his plea fell on deaf ears, as Aumentado appeared to be unaware of the transaction.
Lim’s decision to file his candidacy for governor was prompted by his desire to fight for fair and just pricing of the provincial asset.
He was joined by lawyers Kurt Bongabong, Brian Pilandras, and Ronie Orillosa, as well as vice gubernatorial aspirant Gerry Garcia, during the press conference.
At the press conference, Lim has leveled serious allegations against Aumentado, claiming mismanagement of provincial resources and questionable business dealings involving the governor’s family.
Lim, who served as vice chairman of OGAR (Office of Government Accountability and Review created by Aumentado through an executive order) alongside Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr., detailed several controversies surrounding Aumentado’s administration, including allegations of overpriced medical supplies and unauthorized business transactions.
According to Lim, a recent report by a Bohol newspaper revealed that the provincial government purchased medicines at markups ranging from 428% to 3,478% above market prices.
The primary supplier was identified as Dextel, reportedly a political ally of the governor from Inabanga town.
“When we began investigating these purchases, access to provincial documents was suddenly restricted,” Lim said, speaking in Cebuano.
He added that provincial administrator Aster Cabarte had allegedly blocked attempts to review relevant documentation.
The press conference also addressed Aumentado’s recent suspension by the Ombudsman over the controversial construction of a resort within the Chocolate Hills.
While the governor claimed no knowledge of the illegal construction, the Ombudsman found sufficient grounds for suspension on charges of negligence.
Lim further alleged that Aumentado sought intervention from Malacañang to lift his suspension, supposedly offering to sacrifice Cabinet Secretary Jun Evasco’s position in exchange.
While the suspension was eventually lifted, relations between Aumentado and Evasco have reportedly deteriorated, eventually.
A major focus of Lim’s allegations centered on the joint venture agreement involving the provincial government.
According to Lim, Salcon, a partner company, sold 70% of its interest without prior written approval from the provincial government, which he claims violates the joint venture agreement.
“This unauthorized sale has cost the province at least P350 million pesos,” Lim said, expressing fears about the precedent this sets for future provincial assets.
He particularly cited worries about potential casino developments in Bohol, given that the buyer, identified as Razon, is a major casino operator in the country.
In a separate statement, Ronie Orillosa, known as Bohol’s fearless whistleblower, raised questions about what he termed the “Seven League of Governors,” suggesting that Aumentado’s administration is being influenced by external parties.
Orillosa also presented documents allegedly showing conflict of interest involving Congresswoman Vanessa Aumentado, the governor’s wife.
According to Orillosa, these documents indicate that Congresswoman Aumentado has taken over as chairman and CEO of Tarsier Arastre Services Inc., a position previously held by Governor Aumentado.
“This raises serious questions about conflict of interest, as she serves as congressional representative of Bohol’s second district,” Orillosa said.
Both Lim and Orillosa indicated they would present additional evidence in future press conferences, with Orillosa stressing they possess original documents and certified true copies supporting their allegations.
When reached for comment, Governor Aumentado’s office had not responded by press time.
Both Lim and Orillosa said that their revelations were motivated by public interest, with Lim saying, “This stand is for the sake of justice for all Boholanos.”
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Commission on Audit (COA) are expected to review these allegations as part of their regular oversight functions of local government units.