Controversy surrounding whale watching operations in Bohol province has intensified, sparking tensions between local officials and tourism operators.
Workers at Bohol Wonder Site and Recreational Services have voiced strong opposition to the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members of Dauis for initiating an investigation into their whale watching operations in Barangay Catarman.
The operation, which began in mid-December 2024, has come under intense scrutiny for allegedly operating without proper business permits, with employees expressing fear about their economic survival.
“We’re just trying to make a living,” said one employee who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation.
“If operations are halted, more than 100 people will lose their jobs. Fishing isn’t even an option for us due to unstable weather conditions.”
The controversy centers around Dauis Mayor Roman Bullen’s decision to issue a provisional permit to the firm.
While Bullen stands firm on the legal basis of his executive order, council members argue this authorization is insufficient for commercial operations.
“Such executive order poses a disadvantage to the local government unit as the proper process was not followed,” said Councilor Violy Dano, who warned of possible legal action if Mayor Bullen fails to address the council’s concerns.
The situation has become more complex as Councilor Rolly Gullena, chair of the SB Committee on Agriculture, revealed that a resort has filed complaints about odors allegedly emanating from the whale shark feeding activities.
Gullena, who heads the investigation, noted that the town treasurer confirmed the firm has not remitted any fees related to securing a business permit.
“It’s unfair for businesses that secured proper business permits to allow an operation to collect payments from guests when the firm only has a provisional permit,” Gullena stated during a recent council session.
Mayor Bullen, who was invited to appear at the session, was reportedly absent, as was a representative from Bohol Wonders Site and Recreational Services.
For the part of Mayor Bullen defends his position, stating it’s standard practice for operators to collect fees even without a formal business permit to finance operations and pay workers’ wages.
However, council members maintain that such fee collection violates the provisional nature of the permit, setting the stage for potential legal confrontation if the dispute remains unresolved.
The issue has attracted wider attention across Bohol.
Environmental group Tagbilaran Baywatch, led by Tagbilaran Bishop Alberto Uy and lawyer Gigi Biliran, has formally requested the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) to investigate the proliferation of whale watching activities throughout the province, including operations in Lila and Dauis.
Not all municipalities share these concerns.
Alburquerque Mayor Don Ritchie Buates has publicly supported whale watching activities, citing their role in spurring tourism and providing livelihood opportunities.
“While we respect opposing views, these activities significantly contribute to our local economy,” Buates said, even suggesting expansion to island barangays.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Municipality of Mabini has taken decisive action against non-compliant tourist establishments, ordering the closure of three major sites on January 28, 2025: HEAVENLY Resort, Mabini Hills Eco-Park, and Lakeview Camping Site and Rental.
The Municipal Treasurer’s Office cited failure to comply with regulatory requirements, though specific violations were not detailed.
This marks the second closure order for The Campsite, which had previously resumed operations after an earlier shutdown.
These enforcement actions follow last year’s controversial Captain’s Peak case, which triggered congressional and senate hearings and led to the suspension of several officials, including Governor Aris Aumentado.
The incident has become a watershed moment for tourism regulation in Bohol, where tourism serves as a primary economic driver.