In a twist of fate, gubernatorial candidate Atty. Dan Neri Lim has endorsed Congressman Atty. Edgar Chatto’s bid for re-election in the first district of Bohol.

Lim, who previously clashed with Chatto during the 2019 elections, has tasked his ally, Poblacion 1 barangay captain Arlene Karaan, with organizing a volunteer group to campaign for Chatto. 

The move comes as Chatto faces stiff competition from former City Mayor John Geesnell “Baba” Lim Yap, whose mother is a sister of Atty. Lim, and lawyer Jordan Pizarras in the highly contested election in May this year.

Observers said Lim’s endorsement of Chatto is seen as a major blow to Yap’s campaign, and is likely to impact the outcome of the election. 

Lim, who served as Mayor of Tagbilaran City for nine years, has also been mobilizing his supporters from Bohol barangays to bolster Chatto’s campaign, praising the congressman’s contributions to Tagbilaran City through various development projects initiated during his earlier terms from 2001 to 2010.

Chatto’s development projects, which include infrastructure development and social services, have been widely praised by residents of Tagbilaran City, Lim said.

BRIDGE PROJECT

In another development, Chatto’s aide, Atty. Abeleon Damalerio, has defended the congressman against allegations of involvement in an alleged reclamation project near the third bridge connecting Panglao Island and mainland Bohol. 

Damalerio attributed the project to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), saying that Chatto’s office had no participation apart from initiating and fund sourcing for the project.

The DPWH has explained that the dumping of earth in the area is part of a crane way and embankment project, and is not a reclamation project as alleged by some critics. 

Damalerio has called on residents to unite and work towards a common goal, rather than spreading negativity and misinformation about the project.

The third bridge project, which is Chatto’s brainchild, is expected to ease traffic congestion and improve access to Panglao Island. 

The project has been supported by President Marcos Jr., who has pledged to prioritize the development of Bohol’s infrastructure.

The developments come as the local elections approach, with candidates and their supporters engaging in intense campaigning and strategic alliances. 

IN PANGLAO

Meanwhile, at least nine barangay captains in Panglao have expressed support for mayoralty aspirant Leonila Montero, who is seeking to return as mayor of Panglao. 

Montero, who held the mayoralty post for three terms from 2013 to 2022, has also gained the backing of eight Sangguniang Kabataan chairmen. 

Her running mate, Councilor Dennis Hora, is expected to play a major role in her campaign.

Montero is seeking to prevent a repeat of the outcome of the last election, in which her daughter, Aya, lost to incumbent Mayor Edgardo Arcay. 

Montero’s campaign is focused on improving the lives of residents in Panglao, and she has pledged to prioritize the development of the town’s infrastructure and social services.

IN CATIGBIAN

In a separate development, mayoralty aspirant Benjie Oliva has shrugged off negative comments from his opponents, saying he remains focused on his priorities of improving agriculture and healthcare in Catigbian town. 

Oliva, who is running for mayor of Catigbian, has been the subject of personal attacks from his opponents, who have criticized his physical stature and used dummy accounts to spread negative comments about him.

However, Oliva remains undeterred, saying that he is committed to serving the people of Catigbian and improving their lives. 

He has pledged to prioritize the development of the town’s agriculture sector, and has called for the improvement of farm-to-market road networks to ease the burden on farmers. 

Oliva has also promised to improve the town’s healthcare services, and has vowed to work tirelessly to address the needs of residents.