BY DAVE SUAN ALBARADO
In a surprising turn of political events, Atty. Dan Neri Lim, former three-term mayor of Tagbilaran City, has taken a wide lead over incumbent Bohol Governor ArisAumentado in the latest online gubernatorial polls, following the House of Representatives’ impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
The vote to impeach Duterte, which saw an overwhelming 215 out of 306 congressmen/women endorsing the move, has created shockwaves across Bohol’s political landscape.
The decision by Bohol’s representatives — Atty. Edgar MigriñoChatto from the 1st District, Vanessa Aumentado from the 2nd, and Alexie Tutor from the 3rd — to support the impeachment has not only stirred controversy but has also led to a shocking realignment of voter sentiment.
Lim, who does not possess the traditional political machinery or resources that Aumentado commands, has emerged as a formidable winner, if elections were held today. The election is set on May 12, 2025.
According to a survey conducted by The Bohol Chronicle’s FB page, Atty. Lim secured 2,900 votes compared to Aumentado’s 2,100 from a total of 5,500 participants.
This result has left many political analysts and local observers astounded, attributing Lim’s surge to a wave of “sympathy votes” following Duterte’s impeachment.
Lim’s campaign has capitalized on the public’s reaction to the impeachment.
Known for his previous tenure where he focused on social services like free hospitalization for indigents and educational support, Lim’s image as a public servant has resonated with voters feeling disillusioned by the current political climate.
The political upheaval isn’t limited to the gubernatorial race.
In the 3rd District, Atty. MakdoCastañares is now leading in polls over Cong. Alexie Tutor, suggesting a dramatic voter dissatisfaction with the current congresswoman.
In the 2nd District, Engr. Modesto Mebreve is unexpectedly ahead of Congresswoman Vanessa Aumentado, who is also Governor Aumentado’s wife, hinting at a possible backlash against the ruling family.
Furthermore, in the 1st District, John Geesnell “Baba” Yap, a nephew of Lim, is leading over Cong. Atty. Edgar MigriñoChatto in some online polls, indicating that the political preferences of Boholanos might be realigning in response to national events.
The decision by Bohol’s representatives to support Duterte’s impeachment has led to intense public backlash.
Die-hard Duterte supporters, known as DDS, have been vocal on social media, expressing anger and betrayal.
Of the three representatives, only Chatto was never identified with the Dutertes.
The Aumentados and Tutor have been widely known for their alliances with the Dutertes.
The political intimacy between Aumentados and Duterte family even culminated in a baptism event in Makati’s Forbes Park church last year in which the Aumentado couple’s baby had Sara Duterte chosen as one of the elite godmothers (Ninang).
Netizens have shared photos and videos of the Aumentados with the Dutertes, showing past alliances and what they perceive as a betrayal.
During the 2022 elections, VP Duterte received over 600,000 votes in Bohol, demonstrating her strong support from the Boholanos.
This backing was part of Bohol’s historical loyalty to the Duterte family, which has now been disrupted by the current political actions, causing a rift in voter sentiment.
Meanwhile, the impeachment allegations against Duterte include:
1. Conspiracy to Assassinate President Marcos, First Lady, and Speaker Romualdez – suggesting a plot against high-ranking officials.
2. Malversation of P612.5 Million in Confidential Funds – accusing misuse of government funds.
3. Bribery and Corruption in DepEd – pointing to corrupt practices in the Department of Education.
4. Unexplained Wealth and Failure to Disclose Assets – raising questions about the source of wealth and transparency.
5. Involvement in Extrajudicial Killings (Davao Death Squad) – linking Duterte to controversial actions during her time as Davao mayor.
6. Destabilization, Insurrection, and Public Disorder – alleging actions that threaten public order.
These charges have contributed to the political firestorm, with Atty. Dan Lim’s campaign seemingly benefiting from the public’s discontent.
With the Senate set to reconvene in June 2025, the next steps in this political saga will depend on whether they decide to proceed with an impeachment trial.
If accepted, this could further influence local politics, potentially cementing Atty. Lim’s lead over Aumentado or trigerring additional shifts in voter preferences.