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Bohol gov, 68 others, suspended by Ombudsman over Chocolate Hills resort

by Deanna Macaranas

BOHOL Governor Erico Aris Aumentado and 68 other local government officials were placed under preventive suspension for six months by the Office of the Ombudsman due to the construction of a resort within the Chocolate Hills.   

The suspension was announced by Governor Aumentado himself through a livestream video on the official social media page of the province. 

Aumentado said the complaint was about the resort that was constructed within the premises of the protected area of Chocolate Hills in Bohol, specifically the Captain’s Peak Resort that was built in Sagbayan. 

As signed by Ombudsman Samuel Martires on May 22, Aumentado, several mayors, a vice mayor, village officials, police officers and officials of government agencies were suspended without pay while under investigation for grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

The suspension took effect immediately. It will continue until the case’s administrative adjudication is completed, but not more than six months, “unless the delay in the case’s disposition is due to their fault, negligence, or petition.”

The suspension aims to prevent government officials from unduly influencing the investigation of their cases. 

Under Proclamation 1037 that was signed in July 1997, the Chocolate Hills were declared as a natural monument by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The hills are included among the World Heritage sites. 

Right after going viral in March, Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort sparked public outrage.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said that they never issued an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for the building of the resort within the premises of the Chocolate Hills. 

However, the resort owner was able to obtain a building permit and a permit to operate from the Sagbayan municipality. 

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