By I. Inojales | 01:25 PM December 29, 2025
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — Provincial Board Member Jamie Aumentado Villamor has categorically denied claims that Bohol’s newly approved Sustainable Tourism Development Code penalizes the public for spreading so-called “fake news,” calling such interpretations a misrepresentation of the ordinance.
In an official statement released on Monday, Villamor addressed articles published on December 28 that alleged the Tourism Code imposes penalties on individuals for sharing inaccurate information about Bohol. She said these reports focused narrowly on definitions while ignoring the law’s substantive and operative provisions.
“The assertion that the Code penalizes the dissemination of so-called ‘fake news’ by the public is legally untenable and devoid of statutory basis,” Villamor said.
She clarified that the intent of the law is clearly stated in Article XVII, Section 110, which explicitly prohibits misrepresentation by tourism service providers, not ordinary citizens, tourists, media practitioners, or members of the public expressing opinions, feedback, or criticism about tourism in Bohol.
According to Villamor, the provision is a consumer-protection and regulatory measure designed to ensure truthful, ethical, and responsible tourism practices, particularly among businesses and accredited service providers operating in the province.
She further noted that Article XVI, Section 109 of the Code mandates the Provincial Government to establish a grievance mechanism, emphasizing that the ordinance promotes public participation, consumer feedback, and accountability within the tourism sector.
“The adverse reactions critical of the Code may be well-meaning but off-tangent,” Villamor said, warning that mischaracterizing the law undermines its purpose.
READ: Content-seeking vloggers warned: Misleading information about Bohol is punishable
As the principal author of the ordinance, Villamor reiterated his commitment to strengthening standards in the tourism industry while upholding fundamental rights, including freedom of expression.
“The Code protects the welfare of both Boholanos and visitors and promotes responsible tourism without suppressing public discourse,” she added.
Villamor issued the clarification in the interest of public understanding amid heightened discussions surrounding the implementation of the Bohol Sustainable Tourism Development Code of 2025.
Editor’s Note:
The article previously circulated and cited in relation to this issue was submitted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) – Bohol and was not written by any staff member of Bohol Island News.
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