Graft raps ordered filed vs Bohol governor

Over construction at Chocolate Hills

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the filing of graft charges against Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado and other local officials in connection with the construction of a resort at Chocolate Hills.

Aumentado yesterday confirmed that his office has received the ombudsman’s decision.

“Under the administrative aspect, I, along with some mayors, were only given a reprimand,” Aumentado said. “Under the criminal aspect, the ombudsman ordered the filing of a criminal case in violation of Section 3(e) and Section 3(j) of Republic Act (RA) 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against me, two former governors and others.”

In May last year, the ombudsman started an investigation against Aumentado and 68 other local officials over the construction of the Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort in Sagbayan town.

The Chocolate Hills Natural Monument is a legislated protected area while Bohol Island is declared a UNESCO Global Geopark, the only tourism area in the country to secure the title.

During a Senate inquiry, the Land Registration Authority confirmed that there were 5,652 titled properties covering 7,860 hectares at the Chocolate Hills.

Aumentado said he would respond to the ombudsman’s reprimand on the administrative aspect of the complaint as well as on the decision to file graft charges against him.

“I maintain that I did not violate any law concerning this case. When the Captain Peak’s issue first came to light in 2023, I immediately ordered an investigation,” he said. “I am hopeful the ombudsman will reconsider its resolution and that I, along with others who are not involved in the case, will be cleared of any wrongdoing.”