Capitol to refund excess water payments to eligible consumers
The Provincial Government of Bohol is set to return excess payments made by consumers to the Provincial Public Utilities Department (PPUD) following an executive order from Gov. Aris Aumentado.
According to a report, certain water consumers are eligible for a refund of excess payments made to PPUD from 1997 to 2000.
The governor has directed the Provincial Treasurer’s Office to reimburse affected water consumers using funds from the provincial government, which collected the excess payments in the first place through PPUD.
This decision comes after a court ruled that a water rate hike implemented in 1997, was illegal.
Provincial Legal Officer Handel Lagunay explained that the rate hike occurred before the joint venture agreement between the Provincial Government and the Salcon group, which led to the creation of Bohol Water Utilities Inc. (BWUI).
A case was filed about the matter by former Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim, resulting in the court’s decision.
Instead of filing a motion for reconsideration, Gov. Aumentado decided to settle the issue by reimbursing affected consumers.
Guidelines will be created to outline the refund process for eligible water consumers, with funds coming from the provincial government.
DPWH Engineers Meet with Gov. Aumentado for flood control concerns
Engineers from the first engineering district of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) paid a visit to the Capitol on Wednesday to discuss updates on flood control projects, as issues on flooding, especially near Bohol Wisdom School, continue to mount.
Gov. Aris Aumentado met with the engineers, led by district engineer John Paul Gascon, to find out the status of the projects.
The meeting came after the governor witnessed the flooding in the area near the Capitol complex, which was recently affected by heavy downpours.
The DPWH team provided updates on the flood projects, including the construction of flood control projects in Tagbilaran and other towns in Bohol.
However, the sewerage treatment plant (STP) project in Tagbilaran remains stalled due to the need for a certificate of approval from the host barangay.
The DPWH is focusing on the drainage system first, hoping that it will ease flooding in flood-prone areas.
Aumentado expressed dismay over the delayed projects, which are funded by the national government, and asked the DPWH to provide regular updates.
He also met with Cong. John Geesnell Yap II to ensure smooth collaboration and coordination in the implementation of the projects.
The governor emphasized the importance of maintaining the drainage system to avert huge flooding during heavy rains.
He urged the public to cooperate with the government’s initiatives to avoid huge floods, citing improper waste disposal as a major cause of flooding.
The DPWH reported that their declogging missions often haul a huge amount of plastic waste from the
Pilar Police stumped in shooting incident investigation
The Pilar police remain clueless about the identity of the suspect behind the June 19, 2025, shooting incident that killed 45-year-old Christopher Buslon in Poblacion, Pilar.
Capt. Waldo Batad, Officer-in-Charge chief of police in Pilar, said they are still gathering clues to determine the identity and motive of the suspects.
The victim was shot and brought to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
Batad said the investigation is ongoing, with multiple possible angles being considered, including the victim’s alleged involvement in illegal drugs and as a gun-for-hire.
The crime remains one of the unsolved murders in Bohol, with observers hoping for a swift resolution.
The police are working to gather more information to solve the case.
Healthcare expansion eyed in new Mayor Yap term
Tagbilaran City mayor Jane Yap seeks to expand the healthcare services to her constituents as she starts her second term.
She has been expanding the healthcare services since her first term and she will continue the trend in her second term together with Vice Mayor Adam Jala.
Reports said that 90,000’people already had experienced receiving the benefits of the improvements in the delivery of healthcare to Tagbilaranons.
The city already built a Super Mega Health Center and will soon operate a dialysis center to help those who suffer from end-stage kidney disease.
She is committed to helping the most vulnerable among the people.
She said more than 46,000 patients were able to enjoy free laboratory tests, more than 23,000 were given free medicines, more than 17,000 children were given free vaccines, more than 4,000 male children were circumcised, and more than 4,000 persons availed of the maternity services.
She is targeting to place programs from womb to tomb as she commits to serve senior citizens and persons with disability.
She will launch a health card for families where diagnostic services are included and other blood works as she reported more than P86 million in financial aid was given under the hospital subsidy program.
She will continue the free ultrasound, pre-natal birthing services and other health programs.
Construction worker arrested in Loboc buy-bust operation
A 32-year-old construction worker was arrested by operatives of the Loboc drug enforcement unit in a buy-bust operation on Thursday in barangay Camayaan, Loboc, Bohol.
Sinforiano Sarigumba, also known as Banjo, of barangay Tigbao, Loboc, was caught selling alleged shabu to a poseur buyer worth P500.
The police team, supervised by Loboc police chief Maj. Jesus Daplin, conducted the sting operation after detecting the suspect’s alleged involvement in illegal drug trade.
The inventory of seized items was witnessed by barangay officials and the media.
Confiscated from Sarigumba’s possession were packets of alleged shabu with a total estimated weight of one gram, valued at P6,800.
Charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being prepared against the suspect.
Aumentado orders halt in swine culling amid ASF outbreak
Governor Aris Aumentado has directed the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) to stop the depopulation or culling of swine that tested positive for African Swine Fever (ASF).
Instead, the infected swine will be allowed to expire naturally from the disease.
The governor has also instructed enhanced surveillance in areas known to be infected with ASF to prevent the smuggling of infected swine and ensure proper disposal of swine that dies from the disease.
Aumentado revealed that a major commercial hog raiser in Bohol was affected by ASF but credited biosecurity measures for containing the virus.
The provincial government will indemnify affected hog raisers, with possible additional aid from the Department of Agriculture and other agencies.
Over a dozen towns in Bohol were initially affected by ASF, but the number has declined, with fewer than 20 towns now reporting active cases.
The governor reassured that ASF only affects swine and poses no risk to human health.
However, the virus can survive in swill feeds and infect other swine through this route.
Tagbilaran ex-suspected Mpox patient dies due to complications
A former suspected mpox patient in Tagbilaran City has died due to complications, according to Robin Culpa, spokesman for the City Primary Care Facility (CPCF).
Culpa clarified that the patient had already tested negative for mpox before passing away.
The patient was initially suspected to have mpox, but Culpa noted that the lesions were not consistent with typical mpox symptoms.
Despite this, the patient was bedridden and likely succumbed to complications.
Culpa suggested that the patient might have been malnourished or had underlying health issues that contributed to his death.
The patient initially refused hospital admission but was later brought to the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center, where he eventually passed away.
Culpa speculated that the patient might have had chickenpox or another skin disease.
Culpa emphasized the importance of seeking medical advice if symptoms appear.
Meanwhile, Culpa shared his experience attending the Integrated Patients Health Services (IPHS) program in Angeles City, Pampanga, where he represented the region and contributed to policy-making.
Interestingly, Culpa was referred to as a doctor during the event, despite being a registered nurse.
The CPCF is awaiting the final mpox result to declare the city free from the disease.
Bohol to remain wholesome, family-friendly destination – Gov. Aumentado
Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado has reiterated his commitment to keeping the island province a haven for family-friendly entertainment, ruling out plans for gambling activities and redlight districts.
“We said no to casinos, illegal gambling, and redlight entertainment. Our province is a family-friendly destination,” he declared during his inaugural speech on Monday, marking the start of his second term.
Aumentado cited maintaining Bohol’s wholesome environment as one of his achievements during his first term.
This comes despite allegations made by his relative, retired Col. Titoy Cabagnot, who accused the governor of having connections to gambling operations in Bohol.
However, these allegations were not substantiated or proven.
The governor highlighted other accomplishments, including:
– Increased drug-related arrests
– Improvements in healthcare
– Efforts to curb patronage practices and increase transparency
– Attracting investors and creating jobs
Aumentado acknowledged that these gains were not easily achieved.
During his speech, he also addressed his critics, who he claimed wished for him to fail and belittled him.
Despite these challenges, he remained undeterred, stating that he and the Capitol team stayed on course.
BISU School of Medicine shines in PAAB Quiz Bee, cops 2nd runner-up spot
The Bohol Island State University (BISU) School of Medicine (SOM) has made a remarkable achievement by emerging as the second runner-up in the Philippine Association of Academic Biochemists (PAAB) Tagisan ng Galing Quiz Bee competition.
The competition was held during the PAAB 34th Annual Convention at MetroCentre Hotel, Tagbilaran City, on June 27-28, 2025.
The BISU-SOM team, composed of Georchelle Faith C. Darcey, Verna Mae D. Cordilla, Ma. Bethel Rose I. Roscio, and Joceabel Mae T. Sayson, showcased academic excellence and competitive spirit.
They were guided by coaches Meysam Hamel Darbandi, MD, PhD, and Vanessa Baja, MD.
Dean Marvie Hamel Darbandi, MD, PhD, expressed pride in the team’s achievement, highlighting the SOM’s commitment to providing high-quality education and empowering students to achieve success.
Notably, the SOM is less than five years old and has already made a significant impact in the academic sector.
The establishment of the SOM is a brainchild of former Governor and Congressman Edgar Chatto, who aimed to produce more Boholano doctors.
Chatto’s legacy also includes the multi-specialty hospital in Cortes town, which is set for a soft opening later this year.
The SOM is one of the many achievements etched in the annals of Chatto’s dedicated public service to Boholanos spanning over 40 years.
Aumentado outlines priorities for second term as Bohol governor
Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado has listed several priorities to focus on as he begins his second term in office.
In his inaugural speech, Aumentado outlined plans to overhaul agricultural programs, among other initiatives.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PRIORITIES
During his first term, Aumentado reported significant achievements, including a reduction in poverty rate from 19% during the pandemic’s peak to 14.8% in 2024, and a decline in inflation rate from 5.1% in May 2024 to 1.7% in May 2025.
For his second term, Aumentado’s priorities include:
– Enhancing food production and aquaculture to ensure sufficient food supply despite climate challenges
– Expanding the rice buy-back program to make it more inclusive and institutionalizing it through a provincial ordinance to lower fish prices
– Boosting business process outsourcing (BPO) growth through talent development and industry-ready training, and improving internet connectivity
– Developing the Metro Bohol vision and promoting sustainable urban development
– Promoting responsible property development and attracting investors while preserving the province’s natural beauty
– Maximizing the impact of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport to boost tourism and drive growth
– Spreading Bohol’s brand as a geopark and regenerative island
– Completing good projects started by predecessors
EXECUTIVE ORDERS
Aumentado signed several executive orders to kick-start his second term, including:
1. Creating an Executive Planning Committee to review and overhaul agricultural plans and programs
2. Creating a Local Organizing Committee to prepare Bohol for hosting the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) in 2028
3. Directing the Provincial Treasurer’s Office to implement the court order to return overpaid money collected by the province between 1997-2000
CHALLENGES AHEAD
Aumentado acknowledged the province faces mounting threats, including climate change, pollution, and reckless development.
He emphasized the need for the province to be prepared and strengthen its foundations to endure challenges ahead.
LEADERSHIP AND UNITY
Aumentado reflected on his learnings about leadership and the weight of expectations.
He emphasized the importance of unity and remaining rooted, focused on service, and connected with the people.
Garsuta takes oath as PCL Bohol Interim president
Albur municipal councilor Kien Garsuta was sworn in on Thursday as the interim president of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Bohol chapter.
Gov. Aris Aumentado administered the oath of office, following the ascension of former PCL president Nick Besas to the vice governorship.
As PCL president, Garsuta will attend sessions of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) as an ex-officio member, with the same functions as a regular board member.
He may also chair some committees at the SP, alongside the presidents of the Liga ng mga Barangay and the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation.
Garsuta is expected to attend the SP session this coming Tuesday.
However, his tenure is temporary, and he will be replaced once a new PCL-Bohol president is elected.
The election may take place within this month, with several potential contenders, including:
– Former PCL president Gloria Gementiza of San Isidro
– Sevilla councilor Rem Rem Anino, former chief of staff of late Vice Gov. Dionesio Victor Balite
– Balilihan councilor Pureza Chatto
Garsuta won his seat as councilor, placing 8th with 3,632 votes, as a candidate of the National Unity Party led by former Cong. Edgar Chatto in Bohol.
Bluewater Panglao Celebrates 14th Anniversary with Special Promos
Bluewater Panglao is marking its 14th anniversary this month with a series of activities and special promos.
The resort’s Marketing Communications Officer, Greg Dennis Madanguit, and Sales Account Manager, Chona Maguyon, shared the exciting details with Ardy Araneta-Batoy.
Madanguit attributed the resort’s success to teamwork and seamless operations, which have stood the test of time.
Despite challenges, the staff remains committed to achieving one goal and purpose.
Meanwhile, the Maribago property, which is part of the Bluewater group, is celebrating its 36th anniversary this year.
To celebrate its 14th anniversary, Bluewater Panglao is offering a special promo for day tour guests.
For every 14 paying guests, whether a combination of adults or children, the 14th person will get access to the facilities for free.
This promo runs throughout the month, from Monday to Friday.
Guests can also enjoy the Weekend Lunch Buffet for P1,100, which includes access to the facilities.
Additionally, on July 31, 2025, Bluewater Panglao will host a Dinner Buffet, and winners of a social media contest will be announced.
Details of the contest will be posted on the resort’s Facebook page.
For inquiries, guests can call 09988440532 or 0384160702, or connect with Bluewater Panglao through their social media pages or website.
Calape Police Chief debunks claims of cops being tempted to use drugs
Calape Municipal Police Station Chief, Cpt. Ponciano Entroliso Jr., has denied speculations that police officers could be tempted to use illegal drugs even if they have access to them.
Entroliso and police community relations non-commissioned officer, Cpl. Shiela Mae Belciña, shared their insights with Ardy Araneta-Batoy during radio program.
Entroliso emphasized that while police officers are human and can be tempted, the decision to use illegal drugs depends on the individual himself.
He stated that his focus has always been on eliminating illegal drugs, and he has been successful in reforming many suspects who initially harbored anger towards him but later appreciated his help.
Entroliso, 46, is a native of Tubigon and has been serving as a police chief in various towns in Bohol, including Calape, where he has been stationed for a couple of months.
He graduated with a criminology degree from Mater Dei College in Tubigon in 2004 and has been in service for 20 years.
Belciña, on the other hand, is a Calape native who fulfilled her dream of becoming a policewoman.
She graduated with a criminology degree from the University of Bohol in 2014 and has been serving in various capacities, including with the Regional Mobile Force Battalion in Cebu and the Bohol Police Provincial Office.
Entroliso acknowledged that one of the challenges of being a police officer is the lack of time to spend with family due to the demands of the job.
He balances being strict and lenient as a police officer, depending on the situation.
As a working mother, Belciña faces the challenge of balancing her duties as a police officer with caring for her children, often sacrificing sleep to ensure their well-being.
Mayor Yap Says No to Weekly Tricycle Ban
Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap has rejected the idea of banning tricycles from city streets once a week to reduce traffic.
The suggestion was made by a former city councilor, citing the example of Cagayan de Oro, where tricycle drivers and operators are given a “day off” once a week.
Instead, Yap proposes banning tricycles in certain areas on Sundays, including the area near St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
She suggests closing the street to tricycles and allowing churchgoers to walk to church.
Traffic in Tagbilaran has become a growing concern, especially during rush hour when people are moving in or out of the city.
The city’s population swells during the day and reduces at night as people working in the city go home to neighboring towns.
The traffic situation is particularly congested at the junction and causeway area going to Panglao Island.
Yap pointed out that Tagbilaran’s population is much smaller compared to Cagayan de Oro, which has over 700,000 residents.
This difference in population size may require different approaches to managing traffic.
The city is exploring schemes and plans to solve the traffic problem.
Mayor Yap’s proposal to ban tricycles in certain areas on Sundays is one of the potential solutions being considered.
US-Based Boholano lawyer shares insights on Philippines’ direction and more
A US-based Boholano lawyer, Glen Hubahib, has shared his thoughts on the Philippines’ current state, saying that many Filipinos in America believe the country is wandering aimlessly and lacks direction.
Hubahib shared his sentiments via video link with Ardy Araneta-Batoy and Gloria Leodivica Araneta during the OPEN FORUM radio program.
Hubahib also discussed the limits on cash advances in the Philippines, noting that similar instances exist in the US.
However, he highlighted the importance of built-in checks and balances in projects implemented in first-world countries like America, which help curb corruption.
Regarding the plan to sell President Duterte’s home, Hubahib questioned the motives behind it, suggesting it might be a propaganda scheme.
He also doubted the likelihood of selling the old home.
When asked, Hubahib explained the concept of asylum, particularly in light of former Palace spokesman Harry Roque’s asylum application.
He noted that people persecuted by state-sponsored actors often seek asylum in another country to preserve their life and liberty.
Asylum seekers can apply to countries with asylum programs, which provide temporary haven until it’s safe for them to return to their original area.
PSA Hosts key events in Bohol to disseminate crucial data
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) recently hosted several significant events in Tagbilaran City, including the 2024 Annual Survey on Philippine Business and Industry (ASPBI), Survey on Information and Communications Technology respondents’ forum, and Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media survey data dissemination forum.
The primary goal of these events is to share crucial data with government agencies, the private sector, and other stakeholders.
The surveys aim to provide valuable insights that will inform national planning, economic policy decisions, and regional performance analysis.
The data will also support the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and facilitate further research.
During the event, PSA Bohol chief statistician Jessamyn Alcazaren introduced a system to verify the authenticity of national IDs.
This system is designed to enhance reliability when used in business transactions.
The functional literacy survey results revealed encouraging statistics.
Central Visayas has a basic literacy rate of 92%, while Bohol boasts a higher rate of 94.2%.
Moreover, Bohol tops the region with a functional literacy rate of 79.2%, indicating that nearly 8 out of 10 individuals aged 10-64 can read, write, compute, and comprehend.
Tarsier 117 and beyond: Pureza shares her thoughts
Newly-minted Balilihan councilor and former Mayor Pureza Veloso Chatto has shed light on the controversy surrounding the status of TaRSIER 117’s substation in Balilihan.
According to Chatto, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (PDRRMO) Anthony Damalerio met with Balilihan’s Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management chief and Mayor Trisha Chatto to discuss the revised scheduling of TaRSIER operations.
Chatto revealed that TaRSIER implemented a downsizing and reduced their operations from 24/7.
While the TaRSIER substation was not withdrawn, the manpower was reduced, and the personnel were redeployed.
Chatto added that the TaRSIER will eventually be pulled out from Balilihan and transferred to the nearest district hospital in Carigbian.
Chatto expressed concern over the fate of the personnel who were removed from the staff, many of whom are from Balilihan and have families to feed.
She noted that the personnel are job order workers who have been trained for first response and may not be rehired.
Some of the removed personnel have asked for help from the LGU, but there is an issue whether or not the town can absorb them and hire them.
Chatto questioned the reason behind the relocation, citing the example of the TaRSIER substation in Ubay, which is not located in a provincial or district hospital.
She believes that the relocation is a call of the provincial government, and the LGU is not involved in the decision.
Chatto noted that she saw on social media that TaRSIER is hiring new employees, which raises questions about the fate of the personnel who were removed from the staff.
Meanwhile, in a candid conversation, she discussed the turnover ceremony where she handed over the reins of governance to her daughter, Mayor Trisha Chatto.
Pureza described the turnover ceremony as meaningful and successful, where each head of office presented his plans, programs, and accomplishments.
A symbolic moment came when she folded the town’s flag and handed it to Mayor Trisha, who then unfurled it, hoisted it, and waved it in front of the attendees.
This gesture signified the end of Pureza’s term and the beginning of Trisha’s new chapter as mayor.
Pureza explained that the town’s color motif is green, representing the lush green grass (balili) that the town’s name is derived from.
While the official color is green with accents of purple, the town’s equipment will remain white.
Purple, Pureza noted, was added as Trisha’s statement color, representing justice and fairness.
Pureza praised her daughter’s ability to speak from the heart, often sharing her thoughts without prepared speeches.
She believes Trisha’s spontaneity is rooted in her experience, readings, and genuine desire to serve.
Pureza emphasized that she and her husband, former Cong. Edgar Chatto, will not influence Trisha’s decisions as mayor.
While they will offer guidance, Trisha is capable of making her own decisions and juggling priorities.
Pureza shared that her husband has fully embraced private life after 43 years of public service.
Despite this, Edgar remains busy with his farm and continues to help those in need.
Pureza believes that if the people think there is no need for Edgar’s service, they will not pursue public office, and instead focus on serving in their own capacity.