Despite questions of alleged illegal P88-Million land purchase by Capitol, the Bohol International Convention Center recently broke ground in Panglao, with the project valued at P350 million, with the solo attendance of Governor Aris Aumentado. (Contributed photo)

BY DAVE SUAN ALBARADO

Lawyers representing the heirs of Francisco Arbolente have formally demanded an investigation into a controversial P88-million land purchase by the Bohol provincial government, alleging fraud and unauthorized transactions involving property designated for a planned convention center.

In a letter addressed to Capitol officials, and addressed to Governor Erico Aristotle CabagnotAumentado, the Valera Acosta Tiu law firm accused officials of proceeding with a “fraudulent scheme” involving Lot No. 4006 in Barangay Danao, Panglao.

The 29,335-square-meter property was reportedly sold to the provincial government on December 23, 2024, through attorney-in-fact James Carpo Yu for P88,005,000, according to documents obtained by The Bohol Tribune.

The lawyers claim Gemma ArbolenteCubar “deceitfully misrepresented herself as an authorized representative of the heirs” and illegally transacted the property without proper authority.

They allege that one of the supposed sellers, Noel Arbolente, had already died at the time of the transaction, making his participation legally impossible.

Nathaniel Arbolente, identified as the sole surviving heir, has publicly denied any involvement in the sale and expressed shock at being named as a seller in the transaction.

The legal firm’s letter states that pending legal actions have already been filed against Cubar by the heirs of Francisco Arbolente in connection with “similar fraudulent conveyances of their other properties.”

First District Board Member BenjieArcamo, a lawyer, has warned that the transaction could be annulled if irregularities are confirmed.

He noted that the validity of the special power of attorney used in the sale is questionable.

“If one of the Arbolentes did not sign the SPA, the document could be deemed defective, potentially voiding the sale,” Arcamo said during a radio interview.

The controversy has raised questions about the provincial government’s due diligence process, particularly given that taxpayer funds were involved in the purchase.

Reports indicate the transaction bypassed standard procurement protocols, including mandatory appraisals and proper due diligence procedures.

An estimated P5 million in unpaid capital gains taxes has also been flagged, according to investigative reports.

The sale was witnessed by JuninCaberte, who allegedly was not authorized to serve in that capacity as he is not a provincial assessor.

Provincial Legal Officer Handel Lagunay previously stated there were no issues with the purchase, contradicting the concerns raised by board members and the legal representatives.

The disputed land was acquired for the planned Bohol Convention Center, described as a project of “significant public utility and benefit.”

However, the legal troubles have cast uncertainty over the development timeline.

The lawyers noted that while their clients do not oppose the convention center project, “such a development must not come at the expense of private individuals, such as our clients, whose lawful ownership of the land is clearly documented and recognized.”

The law firm has requested that the SangguniangPanlalawigan and the Office of the Provincial Governor conduct an immediate official investigation into the matter.

They are asking that any sale, payment, or transfer of ownership involving the disputed lot be suspended pending a full inquiry.

The lawyers said they want the property ultimately transferred only to “the rightful owners — our clients, the Heirs of Francisco Arbolente.”

Arcamo noted that the SangguniangPanlalawigan approved the budget for the lot purchase but had no further involvement after authorizing the funds.

He said the issue has not been formally discussed at the provincial board level.

The controversy adds to ongoing issues about transparency in provincial government transactions, with similar questions raised about other high-profile projects and expenditures in the province.

Governor Aumentado’s office has not yet issued a public response to the formal legal demand for investigation.