By PR | 10:22 PM May 14, 2025
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has officially declared the 2025 National and Local Elections in Bohol as peaceful and orderly.
This is after the successful proclamation of winning candidates at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall at the New Provincial Capitol Building on Tuesday, May 13.
Provincial Board of Canvassers (BOC) chairperson lawyer Elesio Labaria shared in a quick interview that aside from minor technical problems reported in some precincts, the election was generally peaceful.
“So far walay mga bayolente nga insidente nga naitala. Maka-assess ta nga ang atong eleksyon gahapon malinawon,” Labaria emphasized.
He shared that there were contingency measures prepared by the Comelec for the minor issues encountered during the elections held on Monday, May 12.
“Wala ta nagkaproblema sa election gahapon. Walay failure,” he added.
Labaria further shared that a precinct in Valencia caused delays in proclaiming winners, especially for provincial and third district positions, due to “human error” and incomplete election returns.
“Dili man nato makumpleto ang procedures kung walay complete transmission sa clustered precints,” the BOC chair further explained.
The local elections in Bohol declared incumbent Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado won a resounding victory with 563,746 votes, securing another term as the province’s top executive.
His running mate, Nicanor “Nick” Besas, also emerged victorious as Vice Governor with 420,658 votes.
“Daghang salamat mga Sano ug Sana sa inyohang walay puas nga pag suporta. Sa kanunay Abante Bohol!” Gov. Aumentado wrote on his Facebook page.
In the congressional races, former Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell “Baba” Yap claimed the seat for the First Legislative District with 130,661 votes.
Maria Vanessa “Van-van” Aumentado garnered 187,719 votes to win in the Second District, while 3rd District Representative Alexie Tutor retained her post with 184,280 votes.
For the provincial board, the elected members in the First District are Lucille Lagunay with 118,275 votes, Dok Mutya Tirol with 118,124 votes, and Venzencio “Benjie” Arcamo with 95,855 votes.
The Second District will be represented by Jamie Aumentado-Villamor, led with 153,122 votes, followed by Tommy Abapo with 127,350 votes, and Fernando “Eping” Estavilla, with 118,707 votes.
Winning this election, Besas and Estavilla will be vacating their ex-officio positions as PCL Bohol President and LMP Bohol President, respectively.
Furthermore, the 30th Bohol Legislature will soon be composed of Third District Board Members, including Tita Baja with 167,099 votes, Dj Balite with 152,854 votes, Greg Jala with 130,729 votes, and Nathaniel Binlod with 113,871 votes.
According to Comelec’s website, the provincial BOC reported a 100% transmission of Certificates of Canvass (COCs) from all Board of Canvassers across the province as of May 13, 9:01 p.m.
Along with Labaria in BOC are Provincial Prosecutor Nilo Ahat as a member and Department of Education – Bohol Superintendent Dr. Faye Luarez as the secretary.
Aside from Comelec, the Bohol Provincial Police Office also reported the smooth conduct of the elections in Bohol, noting that the process was generally peaceful and free from major incidents. (PIMO/JSS)
