With the elections only 15 months away, the Abante Bohol group led by incumbent Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado is facing internal divisions and infighting as a former ally has come forward to accuse the governor and his administration of various anomalies.
Bohol whistleblower Ronnie Orillosa, a former Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) leader and councilor candidate under the ticket of ex-Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim, held a media conference last week, where he exposed several issues plaguing the provincial government.
Orillosa claimed that the governor is surrounded by a “league of governors” who act as if they were in charge of Bohol, and that these people are allegedly involved in corruption, drug trafficking, illegal gambling, and extortion from investors.
He also criticized the governor for being unaware of what his subordinates are doing, and for having no clear vision or direction for the province.
Orillosa cited the high cost of living, the poor state of infrastructure, and the lack of economic opportunities as some of the problems faced by Boholanos.
The Bohol whistleblower said he was not backed or sponsored by anyone, and that he was only speaking out as a “wake-up call” to the governor to reform his ways and to listen to the people.
During the press briefing, ABAKA Bohol chairman Norris Oculam showed his full support to Orillosa’s advocacy.
In a separate venue at the same time, former Cabinet Sec. Leoncio “Tuloy” Evasco launched his own anti-corruption campaign, with the presence of former Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim and city councilor Atoy Torralba.
The governor, however, dismissed Orillosa’s allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
In a media conference on February 13, 2024, at his residence in Dauis town, Aumentado challenged Orillosa to name names and to file formal complaints against those he accused of anomalies.
Aumentado said he was ready to face any investigation by the Office of Government Accountability and Review (OGAR), which he created to look into irregularities in the provincial government, or by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
He also hinted that Orillosa could face legal consequences for making false accusations and for attempting to tarnish his reputation.
Aumentado insinuated that Orillosa had a personal grudge against him because he refused to give him a share of the DepEd budget for the repair of school buildings damaged by typhoon Odette.
He also speculated that Orillosa might be working for someone who wants to undermine his bid for a second term as governor.
Aumentado said he was confident that the people of Bohol would not be swayed by Orillosa’s “demolition job” and that they would continue to support his administration and his Abante Bohol group.