Lila Mayor Arturo “Jed” Piollo is facing a regulatory dilemma over the resumption of the town’s whale shark attraction, claiming a technical committee overstepped its bounds by introducing rules not found in the original local law.
Piollo criticized the Technical Working Group (TWG) for drafting implementing rules and regulations (IRR) that mandate a closed season for the attraction, a restriction he says contradicts the governing ordinance.
“Supposedly the IRR should follow the spirit of the law,” Piollo said, arguing that the ordinance must remain superior to the regulations. “It seems they ask for the impossible.”
The mayor said laws must be practical and enforceable, questioning the TWG’s decision-making and calling the new restrictions an overreach that has complicated the tourism feature’s restart.
The prolonged closure of the whale shark attraction has severely impacted local tourism, according to Piollo, who noted a sharp decline in foreign arrivals.
He warned that recovery will take time, especially as regional competitors emerge.
Piollo pointed out that other domestic destinations, such as Boracay, are opening whale shark watching, while international spots in Malaysia and Indonesia offer similar attractions.
He warned this growing competition could divert attention away from Bohol.
To counter the slump, Piollo proposed developing new tourism routes along Bohol’s eastern corridor to expand the province’s focus beyond traditional hotspots like Panglao, Loboc, and the Chocolate Hills.
“Bohol has so much to offer,” Piollo said, adding that the goal is to complement existing destinations rather than compete with them.
Social Media Use
In a separate matter, Piollo called for the creation of a national policy to regulate mobile phone and social media use among minors, citing growing concerns over excessive screen time.
The mayor suggested that while children should be permitted to use digital devices for schoolwork and research, their gadget use outside of school should be strictly curtailed.
“Social media is affecting the mental health of kids,” Piollo said.
“People in social media may not be aware that they are hurting other people.”
Piollo said a national policy would provide essential guidelines for parents.
He warned that unmonitored exposure to social media could lead to cyberbullying and online hostility, which could potentially escalate into real-world violence.