Bohol guv maintains innocence in Chocolate Hills fiasco

Local

BOHOL Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado on Friday, August 15, rejected allegations that he violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act over the construction of the controversial Captain’s Peak Resort in the Chocolate Hills.

He said that he has “nothing to hide” and will seek reconsideration of the Ombudsman’s decision.

“Hingpit ako sa akong baroganan nga wala ako nakalapas sa bisan unsang balaod sa ani nga kaso,” he wrote in a statement released on August 15.

The Ombudsman, in a decision released this week, ordered the filing of criminal charges against Aumentado and former governors Arthur Yap and Edgar Chatto for alleged violations of Sections 3(e) and 3(i) of Republic Act 3019.

The same resolution also reprimanded Aumentado and members of the 2018–2022 Executive Committee of the Chocolate Hills Natural Monument–Protected Area Management Board (CHNM–PAMB) for failing in their oversight duties.

Aumentado added that his camp is preparing to file a motion for reconsideration.

“Kasamtangang giandam namo ang among tubag sa resolusyon ug mag-file kami og Motion for Reconsideration atubangan sa Office of the Ombudsman,” he noted.

According to the Ombudsman’s investigation, Captain’s Peak Resort in Sagbayan operated between 2020 and 2024 despite lacking essential clearances such as an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and Special Use Agreement in Protected Areas (SAPA).

Despite these deficiencies, the resort was still able to secure business permits and building clearances from local authorities, which investigators said contributed to the “unrestricted developments” that defaced portions of the Chocolate Hills, a UNESCO-recognized national monument and protected site under the NIPAS and Expanded NIPAS Acts.

The Ombudsman emphasized that while there was insufficient evidence to prove grave misconduct or conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, public officials involved, including Aumentado, were still remiss in their duties.

Aumentado, however, stressed that he acted immediately when the controversy erupted last year.

“Atong mahinumduman nga sa dihang unang nigawas ang isyu sa Captain Peak niadtong 2023, nimando dayon ko og imbestigasyon,” he said.

He also expressed optimism that the Ombudsman will reconsider its ruling.

“Malaumon ko nga tukion pag-usab sa Ombudsman ang maong resolusyon ug nga ako, uban sa uban nga wala malambigit sa kaso, malimpyohan sa bisan unsang kasaypanan,” the governor said.

The issue of Captain’s Peak drew widespread condemnation after a viral drone video in March 2024 showed concrete structures and swimming pools nestled at the base of several Chocolate Hills.

The footage triggered outrage online, congressional inquiries, and the eventual closure of the resort by authorities.

For Aumentado, the latest Ombudsman ruling is another chapter in the province’s most polarizing environmental case in recent years.

But he maintained he would continue to defend his name and serve his constituents.

“Daghang salamat sa inyong suporta ug pag-ampo. Abante Bohol!” he said.(TGP)