The verdict is final: municipal and city councilors have refused to support the PCL candidate endorsed by Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado. (Contributed photo)
Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado suffered a political setback Friday as municipal councilors rejected his endorsed candidate in favor of an underdog challenger in elections for the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Bohol Chapter.
Cortes Municipal Councilor Joahna C. Cabalit-Initay defeated San Isidro Municipal Councilor Gloria Gementiza, who was backed by Team Abante Bohol, in the contest for PCL Bohol Chapter president.
The outcome signals a potential erosion of Aumentado’s political influence across the province’s 47 municipalities and one city.
The election results were proclaimed Friday night, Aug. 22, following the provincial chapter election.
Initay’s victory over the well-funded Team Abante Bohol candidate is seen as a rejection of traditional money politics, with councilors opting for an alternative candidate despite limited campaign resources.
The complete slate of newly elected PCL Bohol Chapter officers includes:
Executive Vice-President Glenn Rey Anino of Sevilla was chosen alongside Internal Vice-President City Councilor Fausto “Bebot” Budlong and External Vice-President Angelyn Camacho.
District vice-presidents elected were: First District Vice-President Archie Lungay, Second District Vice-President Gerry Garay, and Third District Vice-President Vic Jotojot.
Other top positions filled include Secretary General Rammel Cagulada, Deputy Secretary Ronald Malanog, Treasurer Rhea Pon Martinez, and Assistant Treasurer Lynbell Gamutan-Cafe.
Communications roles went to Auditor Virgelle Gail Jao, Public Relations Officer Ma. Rowena Sajonia, and assistant PROs Joel Ocho (First District), Ralph Celocia (Second District), and Anastacio Suaybaguio Jr. (Third District).
Business operations will be handled by Business Manager An Baja and Assistant Business Manager Efren Mandin.
The Board of Directors consists of Kien Alphe Garsuta, Paul Vincent Cepedoza, Christian Paul Ordoñez, Al Coquilla, Willou Tan, John Louis Deligero, Rey Anthony Supanga, and Eduardo Torremocha.
The Philippine Councilors League serves as the official organization of municipal and city councilors nationwide, providing a platform for local legislators to coordinate policies and advocate for municipal interests.