Critics have accused Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado of standing idle as Land Transportation Office enforcers conducted apprehension operations in the province amid an ongoing economic crisis, drawing fresh calls to suspend checkpoints that residents say are adding to public hardship.
Aumentado, facing mounting pressure from netizens and a provincial board member, defended himself by saying he holds no legal authority to stop a national government agency from carrying out its mandate.
“The local government cannot just stop anyone conducting mandated law enforcement tasks,” the governor said, adding that LTO personnel operate under directives from the central office through the Department of Transportation and are not under provincial jurisdiction.
He said LTO personnel from Manila did not conduct a courtesy visit before setting up checkpoints and were under no obligation to notify his office of their arrival in Bohol.
Aumentado said he could only appeal to LTO officials to proceed cautiously and avoid confrontations similar to an incident in Panglao last year.
He urged the public to comply with traffic regulations to avoid fines and penalties.
Provincial board member Joahna Cabalit- Initay amplified the criticism during the April 28 regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, questioning the timing of the intensified enforcement while many families struggle financially.
Initay, president of the Philippine Councilors’ League Bohol Chapter, said she was not opposed to traffic law enforcement but argued that most motorists could not afford fees and penalties because household budgets were being stretched by the crisis.
She cited Cortes town, where motorists were seen gathering near a checkpoint rather than passing through it out of fear of apprehension.
The matter has been referred to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s Committee on Peace, Order and Public Safety for study and possible legislative action.