CEBU CITY — Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado admitted that some lessons were learned when he was preventively suspended by the Office of the Ombudsman over the illegal development within the Chocolate Hills.

BOHOL Gov. Aris Aumentado (second from right) talks to First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos during the 455th founding anniversary celebration of Cebu province on Monday, August 5. Also in photo are Bohol Vice Gov. Tita Baja, Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia, and Siquijor Gov. Jake Villa. (Contributed photo)
Although it was proven that he had nothing to do with the construction of a resort in a protected area within the Chocolate Hills in Sagbayan town, Aumentado said that prioritizing environmental protection was something that he learned during his suspension.
"I learned some lessons that we should give importance on matters that involve protected areas. I will concentrate on protecting our natural resources and ensure that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources addresses any violations effectively," Aumentado said.
Aumentado was one of the 68 current and former government officials who were slapped with a six-month suspension over the construction of Captain’s Peak Resort. The suspension was enforced last May 20.
The Ombudsman lifted the suspension of Aumentado and 30 other officials last July 31.
He was supposed to have his first day at work after more than two months of being out in office but he was in Cebu on Monday, August 5, to attend the Cebu provincial government’s 455th anniversary celebration.
Aumentado, who is the chairman of the Regional Development Council-Central Visayas, joined seven other Visayan governors and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos in the celebration.
During the event, Aumentado and the seven other governors signed a manifesto of support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s "Bagong Pilipinas" (New Philippines) campaign.
Other governors present were Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., Southern Leyte Gov. Damian Mercado, Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone, Siquijor Gov. Jake Villa, Guimaras Gov. Joaquin Carlos “JC” Nava, Aklan Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores, and Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson.