By Judge Jorge Cabalit
A gubernatorial and congressional forum is scheduled on Saturday, April 12 at 1-5 pm. at JJ’s Seafood Village, Tagbilaran City.
The gubernatorial and congressional forum is spearheaded by the Lubas sa Dagang Bisaya, Inc. (Ludabi), Metro Tagbilaran-Bohol chapter, Bohol Literary Arts and Culture Circle (BLACC), National Visayan Cultural Association, Inc. (Naviscai), and Association of Writers and Radio Announcers Foundation, Inc. (AWRAFI) in coordination with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Invited to speak during the gubernatorial forum are incumbent Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado, former Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim, and Erastus Nunez Leopando, all candidates in the May 2025 gubernatorial election.
Expected to speak during the congressional forum are incumbent Rep. Edgar M. Chatto, lawyer Jordan M. Pizarras, former Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell Yap, Mrs. Marybelle dela Serna, and Dr. Rene Josef C. Bullecer, all candidates for congressman, except Dr. Bullecer who is a Buhay party-list nominee.
Prior to the candidates forum, Rev. Fr. Gerardo Saco, Jr., parish priest of the Holy Trinity Parish in Manga District, Tagbilaran City will discuss the Apologetics in Politics while Fidel P. Coritico, president of Ludabi, Metro Tagbilaran-Bohol chapter will give the rationale of the candidates forum.
Ms. Aurora Galos, BLACC president will be the forum host while Atty. Eliseo R. Labaria, provincial Comelec supervisor will give the closing remarks.
Panel of reactors during the candidates forum include former Tagbilaran City Vice Mayor and retired RTC Judge Jorge D. Cabalit, Dr. Jes B. Tirol, lawyer Philips Jose P. del Torre, and Paul Alima.
Members of the media and sectoral heads will be given 30 minutes to pose their questions.
The topics for discussion will focus on how to realize the Philippines 2040 Vision –A Prosperous, Middle Class, Health and Long Life, Smart, Innovative, and High Trust Society.