THE League of the Municipalities of the Philippines Bohol Chapter (LMP-Bohol) expressed its support to Gov. Aris Aumentado and the eight other municipal mayors who were meted with preventive suspension in connection with the Captain’s Peak resort fiasco.
LMP Bohol President and Carlos P. Garcia Mayor Fernando “Eping” Estavilla, who called the LMP meeting, reportedly inked a manifesto of support for the governor and their colleagues.
The suspended mayors are Sagbayan Mayor JunJun Suarez, Clarin Mayor Eugene Ibarra, Catigbian Mayor Elizabeth Mandin Pace, Carmen Mayor Che Toribio De Los Reyes, Sierra Bullones Mayor Michael Doria, Batuan Mayor Dodo Jumawid, Bilar Mayor Norman “Tata” Palacio, Valencia Mayor Dionisio Neil Balite.
Some 38 barangay captains and kagawads (who were former barangay chair and then PAMB members) in the towns of Carmen, Batuan, Sagbayan and Bilar were also preventively suspended.
Estavilla said that he brushed aside insinuation that there was political color in the preventive suspension.
As a show of support, majority of the towns conducted a candle lighting, but some called it prayer-rally, in each turf last Monday, June 3. The Capitol did the same.
Gov. Aris Aumentado described his suspension as “unfair” when there was no inquiry conducted to get his side in connection with the much-talked about Captain’s Peak resort construction and operations without the necessary permits.
“Kining problemaha, diha na ni sauna, so collateral damage ra ta aning nahitabo,” he said. He told a press conference that he is made as “collateral damage” in the said controversy that he inherited from past administrations.
But he appears to be composed and assures Capitol workers that normal services will continue, urging Capitol employees “to maintain their integrity at work, highlighting their shared duty and commitment to serve the people.”
“Dili pod ko maulaw ani, kong unsa ning among giatubang nga hagit karon tungod kay dili ni tungod sa usa ka butang nga korupsyon kun dili mga butang nga nahitabo, o negligence sa ubang tawo nga nadamay lang ‘ta (sa) isip usa ka gobernador,” he added.
The governor expressed his gratitude for the people’s support. “Magpadayon ang akong suporta (sa) mga kauban ug magpasalamat ko sa mga trabahador sa Kapitolyo ug (mga) katawhan sa kanunay nga gihatag nga suporta kanako.”
Followers of Aris demonstrated their angst by putting in their respective profile photo the known green capital letter A, signifying protest of what the Ombudsmna has done to the governor and others. (rvo)
