Outgoing Congressman Atty. Edgar Chatto said on Friday that a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of Boholanos motivated his decades-long career in public service, as he prepares to step away from politics at the end of June 2025.
Speaking to broadcaster ArdyAraneta-Batoy on her radio program, Chatto, 64, said he would soon return to private life after nearly 50 years in government.
Chatto began his political career as a member of the Kabataang Barangay, the forerunner of the SangguniangKabataan youth council.
He later served as municipal mayor, vice governor, three-term governor of Bohol, and six-term representative of the province’s first congressional district.
“I was never in politics to compete, but to serve,” he said, expressing gratitude to the people of Bohol for their support.
Chatto lost his re-election bid in what observers described as a tightly contested race against former Tagbilaran City mayor John Geesnell Yap, once a political ally.
Pre-election surveys had shown both candidates in a statistical tie, with the race widely considered among the most competitive in the province.
He expressed hope that the next set of leaders would deliver “genuine service” to Boholanos.
Chatto also confirmed that the Gov. CelestinoGallares Multi-Specialty Medical Center in Cortes is expected to begin operations this June.
He said a soft opening would be a step forward, acknowledging the technical complexities involved in fully launching a multi-specialty hospital.
“This is not just for the first district. This should serve every Filipino, no matter where they come from,” he said.