Despite the massive corruption scandals, Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado has reiterated his lifetime support for the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., citing his allegiance to the national leadership.
Aumentado, a member of the President’s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), said that he backs the administration’s programs “as the president is the leader of the republic.”
He also addressed his non-reappointment as chairman of the Regional Development Council in Central Visayas (RDC-7), saying he holds no grudge against the president.
The governor noted that nationally funded projects, such as those from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), would proceed directly from the implementing agency without requiring clearance from the provincial government.
Aumentado defected from the Nationalist People’s Coalition to join the PFP.
His wife, Cong. Vanessa of the 2nd District, is a member of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats party.
In a separate development, a Catholic bishop has defended the Church against accusations of silence on corruption.
Talibon Bishop Daniel Parcon pushed back against critics who have slammed the Church for not speaking out forcefully enough on recent corruption scandals.
“It is untrue that it has remained silent on the matter,” Parcon said, pointing to the Church’s role in organizing the “Trillion-Peso March,” a major protest against corruption.
He noted that following the rally, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) called on the public to pray and wear white as a symbol of transparency and good governance.
Parcon stated that the Church’s approach is part of a “responsible struggle,” unlike political groups that “resort to theatrics.”
He reminded the public of the Church’s historic role in pro-democracy movements, including the 1986 EDSA Revolution.
“The church was among those who stood up,” he said, adding there was “no reason for the church to remain silent.”