Ombudsman suspends Bohol gov, 68 others over Chocolate Hills resort

Updated Wed, May 29, 2024 at 10:42 AM Published Tue, May 28, 2024 at 6:13 PM

The Office of the Ombudsman ordered a six-month preventive suspension for Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado and 68 other public officials regarding the construction of Captain's Peak Garden and Resort in the protected Chocolate Hills area.

The resort operated without necessary clearances, including an Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), and a Special Use Agreement in Protected Areas (SAPA) from the DENR, despite permits being issued between 2020 and 2024.

The officials face charges for violating the NIPAS Act of 1992 and E-NIPAS Act of 2018 by tolerating the resort's operation and expansion.

Governor Aumentado stated that he and the other officials are "collateral damage" and are consulting lawyers to explore legal remedies and appeal the suspension.

Despite the suspension, Governor Aumentado assured the public that provincial operations will continue as usual, with the Vice Governor serving as acting governor.

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