By Marisol Bo-oc, Juvy Cagas| 10:59 PM August 29, 2024
Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado will deliver his second State of the Province Address (Sopa) on Friday, August 30, 2024.
As of Thursday, the Bohol Cultural Center (BCC) was ready. The Bohol Provincial Police Office will deploy some personnel around the BCC which is the venue for Sopa.
BPPO said it is prepared to ensure the security of the governor and the dignitaries for Sopa.
What to expect
The Aumentado camp has not provided details as to the exact content of the second edition of his Sopa. But whatever its message, tone or length, the Boholanos are looking forward to hearing not just his plans but developments and concrete steps that were or are being undertaken to address issues during the first two years of his administration.
Some of the current pressing issues include the protection of Bohol’s fragile environment. Last May, the illegal structure built inside the Chocolate Hills in Sagbayan town was the cause of Aumentado’s suspension and other 68 officials.
Controversy has erupted over the distribution of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) funds in Bohol Capitol, with allegations of misappropriation and calls for transparency.
Whistleblower Ronnie Orillosa claimed that the actual amount designated for AICS beneficiaries, pegged at P10,000, was not fully reaching the intended recipients.
Orillosa alleged that individuals in charge of the distribution from the Office of Governor had allegedly siphoned off nearly 70 percent of the funds, leaving only P3,000 for each beneficiary.
Boholanos are also waiting for the fate of the Center for Governance Accountability and Review (CGAR) which a local court said its creation was illegal.
Some members of CGAR were calling for transparency and due process in the sale of 70 percent stake of Bohol Light Company Inc. (BLCI), the main power distributor in Tagbilaran City, to Primelectric Holdings Corporation owned by billionaire Enrique Razon.
The governor is expected to highlight tourism development plans as the only Unesco Geopark site in the country.
A Capitol executive who asked not to be named said the Sopa won’t touch on the governor’s political plans in 2025 May elections.
