Bohol dioceses join the fight against corruption
The Dioceses of Tagbilaran and Talibon participated in the protest action against corruption on November 30, 2025.
On Sunday, various groups held a rally, especially in Manila, called the Trillion Peso March, which was an indignation rally against corruption.
Tagbilaran Diocesan Administrator Fr. Gerardo “Jingboy” Saco led a holy mass at the St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
During the mass, he read a pastoral letter asking for justice and reform.
The letter was read in all parishes within the Diocese of Tagbilaran.
The pastoral letter also called for good governance in the midst of the corruption scandal.
Other dioceses in the country held rallies, but in Tagbilaran, the protest was marked with the tolling of bells as a sign of unity.
A forum also tackled the state of the nation and the stand of Boholanos against corruption.
Several speakers were present during the forum, headlined by former Court of Appeals Justice Gabriel Ingles, Noylyn Dano, and Bon Steve Guibalay.
According to Fr. Saco, the diocese chose to have a forum instead of conducting a rally as it opted to choose another strategy to evoke the sentiments of the people.
Meanwhile, a penitential walk was held in various parishes in the Talibon diocese on Sunday.
Bishop Daniel Parcon led the walk as they heeded the call for reforms amid the corruption scandals.
Some participants of the activity, walked barefooted as a way to show their concern about the state of the nation.
The faithful at the Talibon diocese said the sacrifice is offered not just to the diocese but to the entire nation.
The sacrifice is meant to awaken those involved in corruption and a reminder that change starts from within.
Bohol health office raises alarm over leptospirosis spike
The Provincial Health Office (PHO) expressed alarm over a spike in leptospirosis cases in Bohol on November 29, 2025.
According to PHO OIC Dr. Mary Fruserma Uy, leptospirosis cases in Bohol have reached 80 this year, with the spike in cases related to the floodings.
The 80 cases were recorded from January to November 22, 2025, which is a 142.4 percent increase in cases compared to 2024.
Dr. Uy noted that leptospirosis can happen at any time, but normally, only a few cases are logged.
However, the PHO has observed a significant spike in cases after the flooding.
She expressed alarm over the deaths of five persons who were infected by leptospirosis, and the floods may have contributed to the spike in cases.
The spike in cases was detected in October and November.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by infected flood waters contaminated with waste products from pets or other animals.
Dr. Uy said the floods may contribute to the spread of the disease and urged people to consult their doctors if they were soaked or exposed to flood waters or exhibit symptoms consistent with having a leptospirosis infection.
Initial leptospirosis symptoms include flu-like symptoms, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache, and rashes.
Third bridge to Panglao Island gets French funding
The government of France has provided sufficient funds to complete the third connector bridge, which will link Tagbilaran City and Panglao Island via Dauis.
According to reports, the project is expected to be completed by 2030.
On November 30, 2025, Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado assured the public in a podcast called Takna sa Gobernador that the funds from the French government are enough to complete the project.
Once completed, the bridge will provide an additional route to Panglao Island, aside from the Borja bridge at Bool junction and the causeway bridge at Barangay Poblacion 1, Tagbilaran City.
The project is considered one of the biggest undertakings in Bohol.
Aumentado stated that the bidding for the bridge’s contractors is limited to those from France.
He also mentioned that there are no obstacles to the project, and construction is likely to begin in 2026.
It is hoped that the bridge’s construction will be completed ahead of schedule.
Reports indicate that the French government has allocated P5 billion to build the third bridge, which is expected to alleviate traffic between Panglao Island and Tagbilaran City.
The project was conceived by former Gov. Edgar Chatto, who pushed for another bridge connecting Panglao Island to mainland Bohol.
The presence of an airport and high-class hotels and resorts in Panglao made the construction of a third bridge a good idea to complement the existing two.
The bid opening was scheduled for December 2, 2026, according to Department of Public Works and Highways First District Engineer John Paul Gascon.
The funds will be used to build the main span of the bridge, as the approaches have already been constructed.
The design of the new bridge will be similar to the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), said Gascon.
Cortes mayor rejects subdivision project that requires land leveling
Cortes Mayor Rudy Uy stated on November 30, 2025, that he will not approve any subdivision project in his town if it requires leveling the land.
He explained that he will not allow such projects if they involve leveling the land, as he fears that the soil could clog caves and sinkholes, making it harder for floodwaters to drain.
Uy mentioned that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will conduct a field observation, as the mayor wants to ensure that someone is concerned about the environment before issuing permits for housing projects.
The mayor emphasized that those who want to construct homes on elevated areas must follow the rules and regulations.
Uy also pointed out that those who want to build homes on elevated lots often disregard the need to secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) if the lot owners level the elevated areas.
Concerns about projects that could turn disastrous have become a trend, following the disaster that occurred in Cebu when Typhoons Verbena and Tino, as well as Supertyphoon Uwan, hit the province and caused massive flooding.
No damage reported on infrastructure and flood control in Bohol’s 2nd district
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 2nd District Engineer Fernando Talagsa reported on November 30, 2025, that there was no damage to infrastructure and flood control in the said district.
This comes after Bohol experienced the effects of Typhoon Tino and Supertyphoon Uwan, as well as Typhoon Verbena.
Talagsa stated that after Verbena, he ordered an ocular inspection of the infrastructure, including those used for flood control, in the 2nd district.
This is good news, as Bohol was hit by a series of weather disturbances in November.
The first and third engineering districts are still inspecting for potential damage on infrastructure in the said districts.
LTO suspends plan to impound unregistered electric bikes and tricycles
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended its plan to impound unregistered electric bikes and tricycles, which was supposed to take effect on December 1, 2025.
The LTO had planned to impound unregistered electronic bikes and trikes that traverse national roads.
However, Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao signed an order on November 30, 2025, to postpone the plan, giving a grace period to motorists using the electric bikes and tricycles.
The LTO will focus on mass information dissemination within the month before impounding the said vehicles by the first working day of 2026, or on January 2, 2026.
The LTO suspended the implementation of the rules following numerous criticisms and pleas from lawmakers and stakeholders, who asked for more time to disseminate information properly and hold public consultations.
Lacanilao stated that the suspension of the order allows those using these vehicles to find alternative routes and avoid using national roads.
The time will also allow users to secure driver’s licenses or register their units.
There are many people using electric bikes and tricycles, especially those who are avoiding expensive fuel costs.
Some use e-bikes and e-trikes to bring children to school.
Most often, electric vehicles can be seen roaming around Tagbilaran City at night.
Some observers agree with the LTO’s move to strictly implement the rules to make it fair for all motorists, as some people have noted that users of these vehicles are unregistered and often seen traversing national roads, causing hassle and traffic congestion.
There have been no reports of light electric vehicles being used for public transport in Bohol, unlike in Cebu, where some light electric vehicles are used to transport passengers or commuters.
Boholano Duterte supporters still hopeful for former president’s interim release
Some Duterte supporters in Bohol remain hopeful that the International Criminal Court (ICC) will grant former President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for interim release.
This comes after the ICC appeals chamber, rejected the appeal of Duterte’s defense counsel regarding the ruling of the pre-trial chamber, which denied the request for provisional liberty on November 28, 2025.
Despite this, some Duterte supporters still hope that the ICC will grant the request for interim release.
Businessman Norris Oculam, a staunch ally of the Duterte family, stated that the defense will push for an interim release, considering the former president’s age and frail health condition.
Oculam noted that Duterte is already 80 years old and is showing signs of frailty due to old age.
However, he acknowledged that the chances of getting a favorable decision are slim, as he believes the ICC has become a political tool and not an avenue to achieve justice.
Oculam also pointed out that the ICC is practicing double standards, citing leaders in other countries, such as Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who have allegedly killed scores of people but have not had warrants of arrest implemented against them.
Bohol prepares to host ASEAN 2026
Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado led the Provincial Government at the Interagency Coordination Meeting of the ASEAN 2026 National Organizing Council – Office of the Director-General for Operations on Friday, November 28, at the Be Grand Resort in Panglao.
The meeting, hosted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, gathered key representatives from various national government agencies to align preparations for the country’s hosting of ASEAN 2026.
Aumentado’s team actively participated alongside delegates from Local Government Units, sharing inputs for the international conference.
The governor underscored the province’s readiness to support national efforts and ensure smooth interagency coordination.
As the Philippines’ first UNESCO Global Geopark, Bohol highlighted its vital role in hosting international engagements and reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to a successful ASEAN 2026.
Bohol has experienced hosting ASEAN events, having hosted some of the meetings of the ASEAN summit in 2017.
At that time, the province had just overcome a terrorism attempt by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), where several terrorists landed in a remote village in Inabanga via a boat.
The military and police engaged in a firefight with the terrorists for about a month, until the last ASG member was neutralized.