Zamora ready to take on new challenges in key committees
Councilor Nerio “Butchie” Zamora II is embracing new challenges as chairman of the City Planning and Public Land, and Health Sanitation and Environmental Protection Committees at the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP).
Having previously handled the Planning and Public Land committee, Zamora is now set to tackle one of the most critical committees in the SP.
In his guesting over the radio on Thursday, Zamora expressed his commitment to promoting participative governance, engaging with experts when crafting laws within his committees’ purview.
He emphasized the importance of considering diverse opinions, as everyone shares a common goal of achieving sustainable development for Tagbilaran.
A key priority for Zamora is updating the city’s environmental code, which was passed nearly 20 years ago.
He believes that the code needs to be revised to address the significant changes that have occurred over the years, making it more responsive to modern times.
Additionally, Zamora plans to work on the sanitation code and address the city’s flooding problem.
Notably, his committee has identified households vulnerable to climate change, particularly those affected by flooding.
Zamora is determined to tackle these challenges head-on, working towards creating a more sustainable and resilient Tagbilaran.
Bohol Congressmen back Romualdez for speaker
Martin Romualdez
The three Bohol congressmen voted to elect Leyte 1st district representative Martin Romualdez as the speaker at the start of the 20th Congress.
This means the three congressmen are part of the supermajority, with two of the three Bohol representatives being members of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats.
Reps. John Geesnell Yap II, (1st), Maria Vanessa Aumentado (2nd), and Kristine Alexie Tutor (3rd) all voted to elect Romualdez as speaker of the House of Representatives.
Yap is on his first term, as Aumentado is on her second, while Tutor is on her third and final term.
This is Romualdez’s second tour of duty as he was also the Speaker during the 19th Congress.
Romualdez was elected by his peers as Congress opened its regular session for the 20th Congress on Monday.
Romualdez managed to grab the Speakership without any opponent and was able to get 269 votes, according to House secretary general Reginald Velasco, as 34 representatives abstained from voting.
In his message following his election, Romualdez said he will continue to pursue legislative measures to help spur the economy, to preserve the peace and order, and to support the legislative agenda of President Marcors Jr.
Customs Chief to Investigate Korean Tourists’ Complaints
Reports mentioned that Customs Collector Ariel Nepomuceno is due to visit Bohol within the month of August to probe the complaints raised by Korean tourists.
Allegations surfaced that customs officers at the Bohol Panglao International Airport (BPIA) were involved in shady deals.
Gov. Aris Aumentado revealed to Bohol media the forthcoming visit of the customs official to Bohol to probe the allegations.
Moreover, Land Transportation Office (LTO) regional director Glen Galario will also pay Bohol a visit soon.
He will probe the allegations of exorbitant fares from the BPIA to hotels charged by local transport utilities.
The governor said that the issues at the customs and the fares are among the reasons why there is a marked decline in the arrival of Korean tourists to Bohol.
In a separate and earlier interview, the chairman of the Bohol Provincial Tourism Council, Lucas Nunag, said that the declining Korean tourist arrival is not unique to Bohol as similar decline is also experienced in other Philippine tourism areas.
He said that Korean officials cited security and safety as main reason to avoid the Philippines.
Moreover, more Koreans prefer to visit Vietnam as it offers more affordable travel packages.
Meanwhile, Aumentado is opening the doors of the possibility of opening the whale watching activity that was closed early this year due to violations of an ordinance against marine animal feeding.
Before the closure, the towns of Albur, Dauis, and Lila were operating the said attraction, providing livelihood to some Boholanos.
The livelihood of these Boholanos was affected by the closure.
Aumentado wants only one area to be allowed to have the attraction, just like in Cebu and Sorsogon.
Bohol officials vow to fight Ombudsman order
Former and current Bohol officials are expected to exhaust all legal remedies following the order of the Ombudsman against them.
A motion for reconsideration is on the table for former members of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) during the time of former Gov. Arthur Yap, according to one of the accused.
In late July, the Ombudsman released a resolution to file cases against former BAC members of the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh).
Included in the charge sheet are Yap, former Provincial Administrator Kathryn Fe Pioquinto, Provincial Engineer Camilo Gasatan, Provincial Budget Officer Peter Ross Ritual, former Provincial Legal Officer and now Provincial Prosecutor Nip Ahat, former Provincial Health Officer and current Loon mayor Cezar Tomas Lopez, and former Tourism Officer Josephine Cabarrus.
Provincial treasurer Eustaquio Soccorin and former Provincial Accountant Joseth Celocia were spared from the rap.
The issue stems from the awarding of a bid by the BAC to a sound system provider who provided equipment in an event in Panglao during the time of former governor Yap.
Maribojoc to host Bohol’s new rehab center
Maribojoc is seen as the host for Bohol’s drug rehabilitation center, according to Gov. Aris Aumentado.
Aumentado on Monday told the media that the planned drug rehabilitation center will be built adjacent to the Maribojoc District Hospital.
Once built, those who have been proven to be illegal drug users may be placed in the center for rehabilitation.
Currently, Bohol has no drug rehabilitation center, and all Bohol persons needing to be rehabilitated are sent to centers outside of the province.
There were ideas to use the Bohol Youth Home in Cortes as a drug rehabilitation center, but the said center is meant to house children in conflict with the law (CICL).
It has been said that it would be a bad idea to mix the CICL with drug users needing rehabilitation.
The Capitol opened the Bohol Youth Home back in July and is located in barangay Malayo Sur in Cortes, adjacent to the Gov. Celestino Gallares Multi-Specialty Medical Center.
Forensics team to aid in Batuan deaths investigation
A forensics team coming from the regional office is going to lend a hand in the investigation of the deaths of two retired school teachers in Batuan.
To recall, the bodies of Felicitas and Januaria Bahande were found inside their home in barangay Upper Cabacnitan, Batuan on July 22, 2025.
The bodies were discovered lifeless by authorities after it was observed that the sisters were not seen socializing for days.
Authorities estimated the bodies were already dead for four to five days as the remains were already at an advanced state of decomposition.
As of this writing, the exact reason behind the deaths of the sisters remains a mystery, and police are investigating the matter.
Earlier, the police initially ruled out any possible foul play and also ruled out theft or robbery as a motive, as the belongings of the sisters remained intact.
Batuan police chief Capt. Victor Tagsa said the main door of the sisters’ house was closed when they arrived at the scene, but it was unlocked.
Crackdown on illegal numbers game nets several suspects
Several illegal numbers game suspects were arrested in separate operations in Bohol recently.
In barangay Calinginan Norte, Sevilla, a suspect identified as Robert Dalogdog was arrested on July 24, 2025.
Moreover, in Poblacion, Inabanga, a suspect identified as Juanita de la Torre was arrested on July 25, 2025.
Moreover, in Potohan, Tubigon, a suspect identified as Jason Lumactod of Ilijan Sur, Tubigon was arrested on July 25, 2025, as well as Divina Talaboc was arrested on the same date and town.
Furthermore, in Trinidad, a suspect identified as Romeo Avenido of barangay Soom, was arrested on the same day.
Meanwhile, in Zamora, Bilar, two suspects were arrested and identified as Ricardo Angcog and Rommel Hayagan.
The suspects will be facing charges of violating illegal gambling laws as authorities step up the campaign against illegal numbers game in Bohol.
Several illegal numbers game auspects nabbed in Bohol
Several illegal numbers game suspects were arrested in separate operations in Bohol recently.
In barangay Calinginan Norte, Sevilla, a suspect identified as Robert Dalogdog was arrested on July 24, 2025.
Moreover, in Poblacion, Inabanga, a suspect identified as Juanita de la Torre was arrested on July 25, 2025.
Moreover, in Potohan, Tubigon, a suspect identified as Jason Lumactod of Ilijan Sur, Tubigon was arrested on July 25, 2025, as well as Divina Talaboc who was arrested on the same date and town.
Furthermore, in Trinidad, a suspect identified as Romeo Avenido of barangay Soom, Trinidad was arrested on the same day.
Meanwhile, in Zamora, Bilar, two suspects were arrested and identified as Ricardo Angcog and Rommel Hayagan.
The suspects will be facing charges of violating illegal gambling laws as authorities step up the campaign against illegal numbers game in Bohol.
6 Valencia barangays hit by ASF
Six Valencia barangays have confirmed cases of African Swine Fever (ASF).
This comes as 12 barangays are now placed under quarantine as a result of confirmed ASF cases.
In a statement, Mayor Dionisio Neil Balite confirmed on July 26, 2025, that six barangays in Valencia have active ASF cases.
The protocols are in place to prevent the spread of the disease to other swine in the area.
Based on the data from the Municipal Agriculturist’s Office (MAO) of Valencia, the barangays with active ASF cases are Cansibao, Buyog, Canlusong, Canmanico, Catug-an, and Loctob.
The names of the 12 barangays placed under quarantine were withheld.
As of the moment, all pork and pork products are restricted to stop the spread of the disease.
Balite urged the public to cooperate with authorities in order to stop the disease dead on its tracks.
More than three dozen towns in Bohol were or are affected with ASF since last year, with a majority already able to control the spread of the disease as they reported no new cases within 30 days or longer.
DILG awaits orders to implement Ombudsman’s dismissal ruling
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Bohol awaits orders to implement the order of the Ombudsman.
This comes as the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal of Dauis mayor Marietta “Miriam” Sumaylo and seven councilors in Calape.
To recall, the Ombudsman ordered the dismissal of seven councilors in Calape, namely Joyce Josol, Maria Eileen Veloso, Jeannie Verano, Ma. Leonora Rulona, Bella Angcog, Amado Samijon, and Mark Louise Cambangay.
The dismissal stemmed from Ombudsman Case No. OMB-V-A-JUL-24-0127, filed by former Calape mayor Julius Herrera in 2024.
The complaint alleged abuse of authority, gross neglect of duty, and misconduct, particularly in connection with Municipal Ordinance No. 2024-01, which involved the allocation and use of the town’s 20 percent Development Fund.
According to Herrera, the SB members improperly declared the ordinance “inoperative,” but the ordinance was later vetoed by the mayor.
The Ombudsman cleared then Vice Mayor and now Mayor Junie Yu, ruling that he could not be held liable since, as SB presiding officer, he did not vote on the ordinance except in case of a tie.
Also cleared were former councilors Madelone Rengel and John Ted Labajo, as they had already separated from public service as of October 31, 2023, prior to the passage of the ordinance.
The order was based on the recommendation of Assistant Ombudsman Gaudioso Mendez, who submitted his findings on June 27, 2025.
Sumaylo, on the other hand, was ordered dismissed by the Ombudsman for gross neglect of duty after allegedly issuing a business permit to a cockpit that has no franchise.
Possible scenarios include the Ombudsman directing the DILG to implement orders or directly implement any order, just like how the suspension order against Gov. Aris Aumentado was implemented, including 68 others in 2024.
Meanwhile, Candijay councilors Charina Bagor and Edgar Torralba were ordered to vacate their posts as they were disqualified by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) 1st division for vote buying in the last elections.
In this case, the DILG will await the order coming from the Comelec or the Courts and will observe the rule of succession; it is possible that there will be a vacancy in the town council.
In a related development, Sumaylo’s lawyer believes that the mayor has an iron-clad defense against the Ombudsman order.
Her lawyer is ready to file the appropriate legal remedies in relation to the dismissal order of the Ombudsman.
P102,000 worth of shabu seized in buy-bust operation
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the police seized P102,000 worth of alleged illegal drugs following a buy-bust operation on Monday in barangay Manga.
The suspect was identified as a certain King John Tomo, of barangay Ubujan, and was arrested following a sting operation in barangay Manga.
The suspect was arrested after engaging with a poseur buyer.
Taken from the suspect were 15 grams of alleged shabu worth P102,000.
The suspect now faces charges of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
Capitol terminates contract with Inner Core Realty
The Provincial Government has reportedly terminated the contract with Inner Core after the latter allegedly failed to pay its rental.
Inner Core pays rental for the lot at the old airport in Tagbilaran and to develop the area as an IT park.
Vice Gov. Nicanor Besas revealed that Inner Core Realty and Development Corp failed to pay rent for eight months, reaching P3.7 million.
Besas said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) already authorized Gov. Aris Aumentado to terminate the contract with Inner Core without prejudice to any action to collect rent payments.
The authority was granted during the SP regular session on Tuesday in Panglao, where there was also a strategic refresh activity of the Provincial Government.
Only the first district Board Member Benjie Arcamo abstained from approving the authorization given to the governor.
Meanwhile, Aumentado was given authority to sign a lease agreement between the Capitol and Premier Star Ventures Corp. for the 3,000-square meter lot at the old airport, replacing Inner Core.
P136,000 worth of shabu seized in Loon buy-bust
Alleged shabu worth P136,000 were seized in a buy-bust operation in Loon on Tuesday.
The suspect was identified as a certain Dennis R. Fernandez, 45, of barangay Cogon Norte, Loon.
He was arrested by police from Loon led by newly-minted chief of police Capt. Thomas Zen Cheung, who replaced Capt. Rey Olar.
The sting operation was implemented in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Taken from the suspect were alleged shabu estimated to weigh around 20 grams and more or less valued at P136,000.
Charges of violation of Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against the suspect.
PDRRMO responds to 80 emergencies during Sandugo festival
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) logged around 80 emergency responses during the Sandugo Festival in Tagbilaran City on July 27, 2025.
Most of the cases involved people who got dizzy and had difficulty breathing, especially among the participants of the street dancing and ritual showdown.
PDRRMO chief Dr. Anthony Damalerio said most of the participants slept late the night before the performance, and some lacked quality sleep, which resulted in lethargy.
The last performer finished at past 10 pm on Sunday, according to reports.
Reports say the number of responses logged is the most in any Sandugo, which is being held each year in celebration of Bohol’s separation from Cebu and becoming an independent province.
City Officials tackle Bool Junction traffic congestion
The Sangguniang Panlungsod’s Committee on Public Safety, led by Councilor Fausto Budlong, conducted an inspection at Bool junction in Tagbilaran City to address the growing concern of traffic gridlock during rush hours.
The committee, together with Bool barangay council members, including Councilor Leonides Borja, assessed the situation to identify potential solutions.
The inspection followed a meeting at the Bool barangay hall, where traffic concerns at CPG Avenue corner Pahang Street were also discussed.
City officials, including City Traffic Management Board chief Tony Samante, City Planning, City Engineering Office, and police representatives, were consulted to provide their expertise.
- Key findings from the inspection include the need for road correction to widen the area, clearing of electric posts, and street widening.
- Implementing a traffic scheme to ease gridlock was also discussed as a potential solution. The committee will deliberate on the findings in a future meeting to determine the next steps in addressing the traffic congestion.
The initiative aims to alleviate the traffic woes plaguing the area, particularly during peak hours, and improve the overall flow of traffic in the city.
“BWUI Leads environmental initiatives”
Bohol Water Utilities Inc. (BWUI) has been actively promoting environmental protection through various programs.
According to Liezel Butawan, the company has been involved in tree planting and coastal clean-up activities.
In June, BWUI conducted a tree planting activity in Barangay San Isidro, Tagbilaran City, where 212 trees of different varieties were planted.
The company plans to conduct another tree planting activity in August, targeting its service areas and other locations such as Cortes, Corella, and Balilihan.
BWUI believes that protecting the environment is crucial in maintaining watershed areas, as trees help prevent soil erosion, filter pollutants, preserve the water table, and combat climate change.
By doing so, the company aims to maintain water quality and preserve the ecosystem, ultimately contributing to a healthier environment.
AGC’s Pink Run 2025: Running for a Cause
The Alturas Group of Companies (AGC) is set to stage the Pink Run 2025, a yearly charity event organized via the Alay Marcela Foundation.
Ariel Fullido, announced the fourth edition of the Pink Run, scheduled for October 5, 2025.
The run will start at the Island City Mall, with proceeds benefiting cancer patients and survivors.
The event is open to all runners, divided into 5k, 10k, and 21k categories, with prizes for winners and freebies for all participants.
Registration is until September 5, 2025, and can be done online, with details to be announced soon.
The registration fees include:
- 5k: P850 (includes race t-shirt, metallic medal, race bib, snack coupons, and more)
- 10k: P1,000
- 21k: P1,250
Fullido also shared about the Kapamilya Caravan concert, hosted by Island City Mall on July 26, 2025.
The event featured ABS-CBN stars, including Martin Nievera, and is an annual occurrence during the Sandugo Festival.
The Pink Run 2025 promises to be an exciting event, with a noble cause, and interested participants can look forward to a fun and rewarding experience.