Albur, Bohol Mayor Don Ritchie Buates has publicly refused an award from an organization with a questionable background, saying he believes fraudulent awards are being used for political propaganda and monetary profits.
According to online sources, “vanity awards” for public officials are honors requiring recipients to pay fees for trophies, plaques or media coverage in exchange for recognition not earned through merit or competitive selection.
Buates declined to accept recognition from the Civic Accountability Council, a group whose Facebook page lists itself as a “government organization” but has only two followers and 14 following.
He said he plans to return the award to its sender.
“I am not going to receive said award whoever sponsored this,” Buates wrote in Bisaya on his Facebook account. “Please stop your fraudulent awarding.”
The mayor said legitimate awards come from government agencies with clear criteria and indicators, such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s Seal of Good Local Governance, which he has received.
Buates made his position known during an appearance on “Newsmakers ug Uban Pa.”
He said no one in Albur was surveyed before the award was announced and no government agency was involved in the selection process.
“I need no award to validate my service to the people,” Buates said, adding he believes questionable awards may be propaganda tools to make officials appear to provide good service when they actually do not.
The mayor said his wife, a town councilor who has served only six months, also received an award, raising further questions about the selection process.
He recalled that during his time as a councilor, he was asked to buy a book before receiving an award.
Buates said politics appears to be behind awards that “seemingly appear out of nowhere” and suspects hidden political agendas.
Mayor Al Taculad of Duero also received an award from the same entity but did not accept it, according to a trusted aide.
DILG ISSUES STATEMENT
As the issue gained traction on social media, the DILG’s Bohol office issued an official statement clarifying the department’s legitimate award programs.
The statement said the department conducts performance assessments and confers awards to local government units that exhibit exemplary performance.
These include the Seal of Good Local Governance, Good Financial Housekeeping, Anti-Drug Abuse Council Functionality and Local Legislative Award, among others.
“The Department is not associated with any of the awards proliferating on social media and categorically denies any involvement in such activities,” DILG stated.
COUNCILOR SEEKS TRANSPARENCY
Balilihan Councilor and former Balilihan Mayor Pureza Chatto echoed calls for transparency in award-giving, saying that while recognition is welcome, award-giving bodies should be transparent about their selection processes.
Chatto spoke on “Newsmakers ug Uban Pa” alongside members of Kabataan for Change — Carl Hinlo, Louie Bugahod and BJay Baquero.
The councilor said some private organizations have named her a top performer on social media, leading to criticism.
She said she has no connection to those who recognized her and appreciates that someone identified her work, but stressed that public servants should assess whether they deserve accolades.
“A public servant should assess oneself if the servant is worthy of the accolades,” Chatto said, adding she absorbs criticism as a way to improve.
Chatto, who served three terms as Balilihan mayor before becoming a councilor, said she has authored several ordinances now under Provincial Board review.
She is working on proposed legislation to collect and nurture fruit seeds in local nurseries across Balilihan.
FUNDING PROJECTS
Despite the controversy over awards, Buates said he continues working with national officials to secure funding for Albur projects, as the town’s locally generated funds are insufficient.
He cited support from Rep. Isidro Ungab, Sen. Bong Go, former Rep. Edgar Chatto, Rep. John Geesnell Yap II and Sen. Rodante Marcolata. Even controversial former Rep. Zaldy Co allocated funds for Albur, though Buates said he has no involvement in controversies surrounding Co and remains focused on funding solutions for the town.