IN what could be a pro-active stance, Governor Aris Aumentado has propounded the creation of the Citizen Watch aimed at helping monitor projects, soft or hard ones, that the local or national government may implement.
It is also intended to prevent wishy-washy implementation of projects particularly those coming from the national government in the spirit of accountability and transparency.
Maverick provincial Board Member Atty. Tommy D. Abapo, Jr. has brought this up before his colleagues in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
He moved for the creation of the Citizen Watch which the SP approved on first reading during the regular session of the provincial board presided over by Vice-Gov. Nick Besas last week.
Though there were no details, just yet, of what might become a Citizen Watch, Abapo said in exclusive interview that the Citizen Watch the governor envisions is to be composed of multi-sectors of the community.
It was believed that the idea of a Citizen Watch came out as the massive corruption and irregularities in hard projects, particularly in flood control projects, has come to an open public discourse and resulted in public indignation.
Meanwhile, Gov. Aumentado warned key players to do their share in relation to the maintaining the balance between the environment and welfare of the people as far as tourism is concerned.
Many key players, especially those adversely affected by the shutting down of the whale-shark watching activities in the towns of Lila, Alburquerque and Dauis, wanted that the closure of the whale-shark be opened up immediately. They claimed that it is the bread and butter of the workers.
“Kon magpalabi gyud ‘ta, mo suffer gyud ‘ta…” (If we continue to take advantage, we will surely suffer) was the powerful reminder of the governor.
The governor is not only addressing the whale-shark shut down but also the seemed-to-be-impossible control of the costly activities experience of the visitors when in Bohol.
He also urged the government of Carmen town to put in a status quo the imposition and collection of the entrance fee in Chocolate Hills complex.
Carmen town is imposing a Php150/entrant to the complex from Php100/pax. The collection will start on October first this year.
Questions on ownership of the entire complex are still unsettled while Carmen based on Board Member Nathaniel Binlod’s claim that 90% of the area where the complex is situated is owned by Carmen town. (Ric Obedencio)
