By I. Inojales | 01:44 PM October 01, 2026
PANGLAO, Bohol — Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Bohol president Joahna Cabalit-Initay did not attend the three-day PCL Region VII Week held here, despite the participation of at least 500 councilors from Cebu and Bohol.
At least 200 councilors from Bohol attended the regional gathering, which brought together local lawmakers for discussions on governance and other issues confronting local governments.
Several Bohol councilors who attended said Initay declined to participate because the PCL Region VII leadership allegedly failed to inform or coordinate with the provincial chapter about the event.
Ricardo “Kuya Nick” Pepito, PCL Region VII president, however, disputed the claim.
Pepito said invitations were sent to all members and that the program and speakers were selected by the regional board.
“We even asked permission and informed Gov. Aris Aumentado and Vice Gov. Nick Besas that the PCL Regional Week would be held here in Bohol,” Pepito told members of the Bohol media.
Besas who represented Aumentado attended the last night on Wednesday.
Pepito said the regional organization normally relays information to its members and coordinates directly when there are specific concerns or matters requiring assistance.
Another Bohol councilor claimed that the PCL Region VII leadership did not make a courtesy call to the local chapter before holding the event.
The councilor who asked not to be named said a resolution was being prepared to condemn what the local chapter considered inappropriate conduct by the regional organization.
Despite the absence of Initay, a Bohol councilor who requested anonymity said the regional gathering was successful.
“Even without her, the event became successful,” the councilor said.
The three-day gathering ended with the participation of hundreds of local lawmakers from Central Visayas.
