Board Member Aldner Damalerio defended Rep. Edgar Chatto against critics who questioned the veteran lawmaker’s effectiveness due to his physical disability.
Damalerio expressed support for Chatto, who is seeking his third and final term in Congress.
“It would be difficult to convince people who purposely refuse to see and hear what Chatto has done during his incumbency,” Damalerio said.
He pointed to numerous projects initiated by Chatto throughout the first district, either as governor or congressman.
Chatto’s flagship achievement is the Cortes campus of the Gov. Celestino Gallares Multi-Specialty Medical Center, which has become a model for healthcare delivery in the country.
AICS FUNDS QUESTIONED
Separately, Damalerio addressed allegations of anomalies in the distribution of Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) funds.
“The AICS should be given to people who are really in need and not used for any other purpose,” Damalerio said.
A source told the Bohol Tribune that 38 leaders supporting a certain candidate allegedly received AICS funds despite not being in crisis situations.
Damalerio noted that an earlier AICS anomaly investigation remains stalled.
CHATTO RESPONDS TO CRITICS
Chatto dismissed criticisms about his mobility issues, which stem from a previous accident.
Responding to a broadcaster who suggested he should relinquish his post to someone younger, Chatto said his disability has never hindered his public service.
“Everyone in Bohol knows I have a walking impediment,” Chatto told Ardy Araneta-Batoy on Friday. “This has never been an issue in my years of public service.”
Chatto cited his successful tenure as governor, during which Bohol faced and recovered from an earthquake and an Abu Sayyaf Group incursion.
“I have proven that I can deliver despite having mobility issues,” said Chatto, who has served in public office for decades.
HOSPITAL LOCATION EXPLAINED
Chatto also explained why the new Gallares hospital was built in Cortes rather than Tagbilaran City.
According to Chatto, then-Mayor John Geesnell Yap II said the city had no available land for the facility.
Chatto then implemented his backup plan, donating provincial government land to the Department of Health for the hospital construction.
He said he is now working to improve road access to the facility, including plans for a bypass road from Tagbilaran to Baclayon to Cortes.