Balilihan Champions Consultative Governance, Says MPDC
The Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC) of Balilihan has highlighted the town leadership’s adoption of a consultative style of governance.
According to MPDC Adelene Ibarra, this approach encourages citizen participation and maintains a high degree of transparency.
In an interview with Ardy Araneta-Batoy on “Newsmakers ug Uban Pa” on Friday, Ibarra emphasized that accredited civil society organizations (CSOs) are actively involved in planning and participating in local special bodies.
This allows the local government to tap into their valuable insights on matters affecting the town’s welfare.
Ibarra also noted that the local government unit refrains from partisan activities when serving the people. “Political colors take a backseat when serving the people is concerned,” she said, adding that service is provided to everyone regardless of their political leanings.
Ibarra credited the success of the June 30, 2025, turnover ceremony to the collaborative efforts of several individuals.
As a member of the transition committee, she played a key role in the event, which saw the swearing-in of new Mayor Trisha Chatto and the new set of officials.
Looking ahead, Ibarra shared the town’s preparations for the annual fiesta in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
The festivities, scheduled for July 16, kicked off with a food bazaar and featured various activities designed to bring entertainment and joy to the people of Balilihan.
Bishop Uy Calls for Ban on Online Gambling
Tagbilaran Bishop Alberto Uy has expressed his support for a ban on online gambling, citing its detrimental effects on society.
In a Facebook post, Uy stated that online gambling has done more harm than good, particularly with its increased accessibility via cellphones.
According to Uy, online gambling has become a widespread issue, affecting not only adults but also young people.
He noted that the ease of access to online gambling has led to addiction, with many Filipinos, including minors, falling prey to it.
Uy emphasized that regulation is insufficient and advocated for a complete ban on online gambling.
He highlighted the devastating impact of online gambling on families, citing instances of workers losing their jobs, students abandoning their studies, and individuals resorting to crime to finance their addiction.
The bishop described online gambling as a “cancer of society” that erodes the moral fiber of Filipinos.
He argued that it victimizes the poor and powerless, perpetuating poverty, and that the revenue generated from taxes does not justify its continued existence.
Uy stressed the importance of implementing policies that protect the moral fibre of society, asserting that the benefits of online gambling do not outweigh its negative impact.
VMLP-Bohol Chapter to Hold Initial Meeting on July 17
The Vice Mayors League of the Philippines (VMLP)-Bohol chapter is set to hold its initial meeting on July 17, 2025, at a restaurant in Barangay Dao, Tagbilaran City.
According to sources, the meeting will bring together newly elected vice mayors from across Bohol and aims to facilitate an acquaintance among the new members of the VMLP in the province.
During the gathering, a date will be set for the election of the new set of officers, who will serve a three-year term until 2028.
Baclayon Vice Mayor Judel Cabahug is reportedly planning to run for president of the VMLP, succeeding Richard Bucag, who is now a councilor of Sevilla.
Cabahug is said to have a lineup of candidates vying for various positions in the VMLP-Bohol chapter.
The VMLP elections are scheduled to take place on August 5, with the venue to be announced later.
Authorities revert to old drop-off policies at BPIA
The Bohol Panglao International Airport (BPIA) has reverted to its old drop-off policies following backlash from netizens over the new policies implemented by Aboitiz Infracapital (AIC), the new airport operator.
Earlier, AIC introduced a policy requiring vehicles to park in designated areas, about 20 meters away from the passenger terminal, when dropping off or fetching passengers.
This move raised concerns among airport users, who had to walk a considerable distance from the parking area to the airport terminal.
However, reports indicate that the old practice has been reinstated at the BPIA, based on observations made Wednesday.
Prior to the reversion, Lt. Melinda Basalo, chief of the Aviation Police at the BPIA, appealed for the public’s understanding regarding the new policies implemented by AIC.
She explained that the policies were designed to ensure smooth airport operations and had resulted in a decline in incidents involving vehicles at the passenger terminal.
The new policies included designated parking areas for those fetching or sending off passengers, special lanes for persons with disabilities and senior citizens, and carts available for carrying baggage or luggage.
Basalo noted that the policies had also reduced altercations between motorists.
Despite the efforts to explain the new policies, AIC remained silent on the complaints aired on social media.
The airport operator is charging a P50 parking fee for fetching arriving passengers, which has also raised concerns among Boholanos.
Attempts to reach Ronaldo Lumibao, deputy head of operations at the BPIA, for comments were unsuccessful.
Many Boholanos are still seeking an explanation about the new policies at the airport.