By I. Inojales | 11:27 AM December 30, 2025
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — Bohol Island News (BIN) has clarified that the article titled “Content-seeking vloggers warned: Misleading information about Bohol is punishable,” which circulated online and appeared on December 27, was not written by any of its reporters.
In a statement, BIN emphasized that the article previously cited in relation to the issue was submitted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) – Bohol and was merely published as sourced content.
BIN stressed that it did not originate from its editorial staff, amid confusion and public discussion surrounding the Bohol Sustainable Tourism Development Code of 2025.
The clarification comes as Provincial Board Member Jamie Aumentado Villamor, principal author of the ordinance, categorically denied claims that the newly approved Tourism Code penalizes the general public for spreading so-called “fake news” about Bohol.
In an official statement released Monday, Villamor addressed articles published on December 28 which alleged that the Code imposes penalties on individuals for sharing inaccurate information about the province. She said such interpretations misrepresent the ordinance by focusing narrowly on definitions while disregarding its 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 explained that Article XVII, Section 110 of the Code explicitly applies to tourism service providers, prohibiting misrepresentation by accredited businesses and operators. The provision, she stressed, does not cover ordinary citizens, tourists, media practitioners, vloggers, or members of the public expressing opinions, feedback, or criticism about tourism in Bohol.
According to Villamor, the measure is a consumer-protection and regulatory safeguard intended to ensure truthful, ethical, and responsible tourism practices among industry stakeholders.
She further cited Article XVI, Section 109, which mandates the Provincial Government to establish a grievance mechanism, underscoring that the Code actively encourages 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 and public understanding.
Reaffirming her role as principal author, Villamor reiterated her commitment to raising tourism standards in the province while upholding constitutional 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 amid heightened public discussion surrounding the implementation of the Bohol Sustainable Tourism Development Code of 2025, urging stakeholders and the public to rely on accurate interpretations of the law.
BIN firmly adheres to ethical journalism and maintains a strict policy against fake news. The publication remains committed to accuracy, fairness, and responsible reporting, ensuring that all news it publishes is verified, credible, and based on factual information.
BIN continues to uphold public trust by rejecting misinformation and prioritizing truthful, balanced, and transparent journalism in serving the Boholano community.
