By Helen Castaño | 01:49 PM June 30, 2025
TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL — Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado formally took his oath of office for a second term on Monday, June 30, vowing to pursue further reforms and build a stronger, self-reliant Bohol.
Aumentado was sworn in by Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Geraldine Faith Econg, the 11th Presiding Justice of the anti-graft court, during ceremonies held at the Bohol Cultural Center.
The inauguration was preceded by a thanksgiving Mass at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral-Shrine in Tagbilaran City.
Also taking their oaths were Vice Governor Nicanor Besas and Representatives John Geesnell Yap II (1st District), Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado (2nd District), and Kristine Alexie Besas-Tutor (3rd District), along with members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
In his inaugural address, Aumentado reflected on his unexpected rise to the governorship in 2022, saying he had initially backed another candidate but decided to run after witnessing the public’s growing frustration.
He said his first term focused on dismantling patronage politics, promoting transparency, and restoring public trust.
Among his administration’s accomplishments, Aumentado cited the reduction in poverty incidence from 19 percent during the pandemic to 14.8 percent in 2024, and the drop in inflation from 5.1 percent in May 2024 to 1.7 percent in May 2025.
He also reported the completion of the long-delayed hospital in Loon, which was destroyed in the 2013 earthquake, as well as the acquisition of three mobile clinics and upgrades to provincial healthcare services.
The governor also highlighted the deployment of solar-powered desalination machines to island barangays, improved power supply from renewable and geothermal sources that led to lower electricity costs, and the ongoing development of the Old Tagbilaran Airport into the Bohol Business Park.
He added that Bohol remains insurgency-free, supported by the creation of a Local Amnesty Board, and reiterated his administration’s strict stance against casinos, illegal gambling, and red-light establishments.
Aumentado acknowledged the criticisms against his programs, including efforts to combat African Swine Fever, implement cloud seeding, and preserve provincial assets like Bohol Light Company shares.
“They ridiculed our efforts, misled the people, and spread false information,” he said. “But we stayed our course. We did what’s best for Bohol.”
He said his reelection—won with a stronger mandate—was proof of the public’s continued trust.
For his second term, Aumentado said his administration will prioritize agriculture, food security, livelihood development, and investment-driven growth aimed at building a more resilient and self-sufficient province.
