By Helen Castaño | 10:38 AM October 02, 2026
PANGLAO, Bohol — The Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Region 7 coordinated with Bohol provincial officials and invited members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, including PCL-Bohol Chapter President Joanha Cabalit-Initay, to the PCL Week held here from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1, PCL Region 7 President Ricardo “Kuya Nick” Pepito said.
Pepito made the statement in response to Initay’s complaint over an alleged lack of coordination between the PCL Region 7 and PCL-Bohol Chapter during the regional gathering.
Pepito said he coordinated with Gov. Aris Aumentado and Vice Gov. Nicanor Besas, who was serving as officer-in-charge governor at the time, for the conduct of the event.
He said Initay was invited in her capacity as PCL-Bohol president, provincial board member and ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. She was also designated as a “distinguished special guest” during the activity, Pepito said.
Initay didn’t attend the event.
Pepito said the PCL Week program followed the activities approved by the PCL Region 7 Board of Directors and was not decided by him alone.
He added that there was no need for another formal courtesy call with Initay because she had already been included in the official invitations along with the governor, vice governor, congressional representatives and other officials.
Pepito also said provincial PCL chapters generally support regional and national activities when assistance is needed, particularly in helping municipalities, but do not interfere in the management of regional events.
He cited the strong participation of Bohol’s local legislators, saying about 264 councilors from the province attended the PCL Week.
Besas led the Sangguniang Panlalawigan during the event, with Initay serving as an ex-officio member in her capacity as PCL-Bohol president.
Pepito said he did not see a conflict between the PCL Region 7 and PCL-Bohol Chapter, describing the issue instead as a difference in views over coordination for the event.
As regional president, Pepito stressed the need for unity and cooperation among councilors to prevent conflicts within the organization.
He also welcomed the strong participation of Bohol councilors, describing their attendance as a sign of their support for the regional PCL activity.
