BY DAVE SUAN ALBARADO

A resident of Bohol has filed a formal complaint with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) against Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado, accusing him of threats, harassment, and gender-based discrimination in violation of election laws and other regulations.

Florame F. Vistal, a resident of Dagohoy, Inabanga, submitted her complaint-affidavit on April 11, 2025 in Manila, citing violations of Section 3 of COMELEC Resolution No. 11116 and Section 261(e) of the Omnibus Election Code.

In her affidavit, Vistal alleged that Gov. Aris Aumentado allegedly “committed acts of discrimination against women, unfounded accusations, labeling or branding without basis,” creating a “hostile or fearful environment” that undermines electoral participation.

The allegations stem from a Facebook post Vistal made questioning the legality of the provincial government’s P88 million purchase of a lot in Panglao, Bohol.

According to Vistal, the acquisition was tainted by procedural issues, including the timing of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan resolution and the absence of the governor’s signature.

Instead of addressing the concern, Vistal claims Gov. Aumentado retaliated during an April 5, 2025 campaign rally in Cagawasan, Inabanga. 

“Tan-awa nas Vistal ga-jama jama ug istorya. Ako kuno siya gi-death… Death threat? Death threat?” Aumentado said in Bisaya, as captured on video and submitted as evidence.

He added, “Ako siya gi-ingnan ako siyang asikasuhon inig humag election kay ang akung mga abogado nag monitor sa iyang mga istorya… ug akung kasuhan adto Manila aron malingaw sija.” (I told her I will take care of her after the election because my lawyers are monitoring what she says… and I will file cases against her in Manila so she will be entertained.)

Vistal claims these remarks constitute a clear threat and an act of political intimidation. 

“He made ill and threatening remarks against me. This is not how an elected official should respond to legitimate concerns raised by a citizen,” she said in her affidavit.

In another rally on March 30, 2025 in Fatima, Inabanga, Gov. Aumentado allegedly made degrading and gender-based remarks directed at Vice Mayor Josephine “Roygie” Jumamoy. 

Referring to her with derogatory language, he said, “Tungod kay politika lang gihapon ang gihuna-huna aning tambok nga lawlaw ug panty… Unsa diay brand sa iyang panty?” (This fat woman with loose underwear is still thinking about politics… What’s the brand of her panty?)

Vistal said the statement insulted not only Vice Mayor Jumamoy but the 19,000 voters who elected her. 

“These degrading remarks from the governor himself are totally uncalled for,” Vistal said. “He greatly insulted the people of Inabanga, especially the women.”

The complaint also alleges that Aumentado tolerated online harassment by his supporters, including a Facebook post that showed a doctored mugshot of Vistal with mocking captions and the governor’s own comments.

She further denounced the governor’s claims that she was acting out of fear of losing government contracts. 

“This unfounded accusation is totally baseless. I am in the field of construction, but I have never had a contract with the local government of Inabanga,” she clarified.

Vistal appealed to the Commission to hold the governor accountable. 

“A public office is a public trust,” she wrote. “He must explain the legitimacy of the said transaction and answer for his actions that degrade and intimidate constituents, especially women.”

The complaint includes screenshots of Vistal’s Facebook post, videos of the governor’s campaign speeches, and screenshots of the alleged defamatory post. 

The matter now awaits further investigation and possible legal proceedings by COMELEC.

As of press time, Gov. Aumentado has not publicly responded to the complaint.

BOHOL OFFICIAL ASKS ELECTION COMMISSION TO PROBE GOVERNOR’S REMARKS

A Bohol provincial board member has asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to investigate alleged derogatory remarks made by Gov. Aris Aumentado against a female vice mayor.

During Tuesday’s Sangguniang Panlalawigan session, Second District Board Member Vierna Mae “Mimi” Boniel-Maglasang presented video evidence allegedly showing Aumentado making disparaging comments about Inabanga Vice Mayor Josephine Socorro Jumamoy at a political rally.

The video, which has circulated online, reportedly shows Aumentado mocking Jumamoy’s physical appearance during an Abante Bohol campaign event in Inabanga. 

The rally supported local candidates Dexter Ancla and Jun Cenabre, who are running for mayor and vice mayor, respectively.

Boniel-Maglasang condemned the remarks as offensive to women and called for an end to bullying tactics during the campaign season.

“Candidates should run based on platforms and programs,” she said.

Aumentado defended his comments in a Facebook post, claiming he was responding to previous bullying he had experienced.

“I was not bullying my political opponents. I merely replied to the bullying that I received,” the governor wrote.

Comelec Explains Anti-Discrimination Campaign Rule

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has clarified the reasoning behind its ruling that prohibits discrimination during election campaigns.

Comelec-Bohol spokesman Rocco Lamanilao detailed the rationale during his appearance on Tuesday’s “Newsmaker ug Uban Pa” program over DYTR.

The commission issued Resolution No. 11116 prohibiting discrimination and later expanded the scope of discriminatory acts classified as election offenses. Violations can lead to disqualification or other penalties imposed by the election body.

Comelec has issued show cause orders to three candidates for alleged discriminatory remarks: Pasig congressional candidate Christian Sia, Misamis Oriental Gov. Peter Unabia and Batangas gubernatorial candidate Jay Ilagan.

Lamanilao said a committee at the central office ordered the candidates to explain their actions. This committee operates independently from local Comelec offices and follows specific guidelines when issuing show cause orders.

The committee alone has authority to prosecute candidates, with disqualification as a possible penalty for violations.

Lamanilao declined to comment on a video circulating on social media allegedly showing Gov. Aris Aumentado criticizing Inabanga Vice Mayor Josephine Socorro Jumamoy about her appearance during a rally in Inabanga.

He noted that while non-candidates who commit discrimination may not fall under Comelec’s jurisdiction, they could face charges under other laws. For candidates, Comelec has jurisdiction and can impose disqualification for election offenses.

Lamanilao acknowledged he hadn’t seen the video of Aumentado and couldn’t comment further, but said evidence could be submitted to the committee to determine if a show cause order is warranted.

He added that broadcasters should not be on a candidate’s payroll or serve as a campaign spokesperson during the campaign period, calling such arrangements unethical.

Comelec has established limits on negative campaigning, prohibiting the spread of fake news. A committee monitors misinformation, particularly on social media, during the campaign period.

Candidates are limited to 90 minutes of exposure per station throughout the campaign period, with exceptions for responses to particular issues under their right to reply.