Political tensions escalated in Bohol’s provincial legislature as several board members aligned with the Gov. Aris Aumentado’s Abante bloc mounted opposition against a proposed Anti-Discrimination Ordinance, showing what observers describe as deepening political tensions at the Capitol.
The ordinance, authored by Board Member Vierna Mae F. Boniel, intends to prohibit discrimination based on sex, age, gender, disability, race, status, sexual orientation, and religious affiliation.
Despite its alignment with constitutional principles and international human rights agreements, the measure faced resistance during recent legislative sessions.
During the crucial second and third readings, several board members, including DJ Balite, Lucille Lagunay, Jamie Villamor-Tan, Nathaniel Binlod, and Greg Jala, along with ex-officio members SK Ancla and PCL Nick Besas, voiced their opposition to the ordinance.
Sources familiar with the proceedings reported that Board Member Tan was observed making gestures to coordinate opposition votes during the sessions.
The controversial response to the anti-discrimination measure stands in stark contrast to the board’s earlier unanimous approval of the Bohol Light Company, Inc. (BLCI) buyback resolution, which was passed without public consultation.
This discrepancy has led Bohol political analysts to suggest that the opposition to the ordinance may be politically motivated rather than policy-based.
“The resistance appears to be less about the ordinance itself and more about its author, Board Member Boniel,” said a provincial capitol insider who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
Critics argue that the opposition’s behavior during the sessions, including what witnesses described as “scripted” interventions by ex-officio members, reflects ongoing political tensions rather than substantive policy concerns.
The proposed ordinance carries implications for Bohol’s governance credentials.
Provincial officials confirm it would have served as a major requirement for the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), a prestigious recognition awarded by the national government to outstanding local government units.
Bohol Capitol failed to win an SGLG award this year. In Bohol, only 5 towns won the SGLG crown.
The province’s failure to secure the SGLG award has been partially attributed to the absence of such comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation.
If enacted, the ordinance would impose penalties ranging from admonition and fines of P5,000 pesos for first-time offenders to six months imprisonment for repeat violations.
The measure also mandates an information campaign by the Provincial Information and Media Office (PiMO) to educate the public about its provisions.
The ordinance’s scope is comprehensive, addressing discrimination in employment, education, delivery of goods and services, and accommodation. It aligns with multiple international agreements to which the Philippines is a signatory, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights.
Legal experts note that the ordinance includes careful considerations for legitimate business operations, providing exemptions for establishments that maintain certain standards based on sex, age, gender, disability, race, status, sexual orientation, and religious affiliation for health and safety purposes.