CEBU CITY – Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado announced on Tuesday, May 28, that he has been suspended by the Office of the Ombudsman for six months over the construction of a resort in the province.

AUMENTADO (center)

Aumentado announced the suspension on Tuesday, May 28, at the Bohol provincial capitol in Tagbilaran City.

Capitol officials, department heads, and workers witnessed the announcement.

Aumentado said the suspension stemmed from the controversial construction of a resort within Chocolate Hills in Sagbayan town, Bohol.

Aside from Aumentado, also suspended were some mayors, barangay captains, and department heads.

“Me and 68 other officials who are holding current government positions have been placed under preventive suspension for six months,” said Aumentado.

The suspension was imposed while the illegal construction of the resort is being investigated in the Senate and House, said Aumentado.

Charges for grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service were filed against Aumentado before the Ombudsman.

Among those charged were former Bohol Gov. Art Yap, former and incumbent mayors in Bohol, and former and current regional directors of various government agencies.

“While it is painful and saddening that this happened, we are hoping that everything will be given a fair and just resolution,” Aumentado said.

Aumentado had just attended a Senate hearing on the issue.

During the hearing, Aumentado emphasized that the controversy “is not just an environmental issue but also a social issue.”

“As public servants at the helm of the provincial government, we take our responsibility seriously to preserve the natural wonders of our province so that the next generation can enjoy them as well,” Aumentado said.

Aumentado thanked active advocates for the environment, concerned citizens, and civil society organizations “who keep the government in check and help shape public policy.”

He pointed out that “we should not overlook the needs and rights of the people residing and living within the protected areas and whose livelihood and means of income are dependent upon the land.”

“Thus, there is a need to balance between environmental protection and the right of the people to improve their condition,” the governor said.

Aumentado recalled that 25 years ago, Bohol was among the top 20 poorest provinces in the country. The province was also the hotbed of communist insurgents blaming government neglect as the cause of their poverty.

“Our leaders then made poverty reduction a primary objective thru agriculture and tourism as economic drivers,” he added.

Several years later, the governor said Bohol is out of the poorest provinces list and was declared insurgency-free by the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 2010.

Aumentado said Boholanos are aiming for inclusive growth. He said not only the big and rich hotels, resorts, restaurants and food chains will benefit from Bohol’s tourism industry.

He said barangay folks, the carinderia owners, kakanin peddlers, and other small and medium entrepreneurs should “also ride on the train of development.”

“We don’t want to kill the goose that lays the golden egg. Much as we want to see the lives of Boholanos improve, we don’t want it to be at the cost of destroying our environment or to ‘uglify’ lovely sceneries of our province,” he noted.

As he is set to serve the suspension, Aumentado reminded capitol workers to always do their job right.

“I appeal to all of you to do your best in serving the people. We even got suspended even if we did our job right. How much more if you will be remiss with your jobs,” Aumentado said.

While he will be away from office, Aumentado also urged Boholanos to remain united. “I shall return,” said Aumentado.