Bohol governor reinstated following suspension over Chocolate Hills resort

Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado has been reinstated to his post after the Office of the Ombudsman approved the lifting of the preventive suspension against him in connection to the investigation into the controversial resort at the Chocolate Hills.

The lifting of the preventive suspension was effective from July 31, according to a statement released by Aumentado’s office.

“The decision of the Ombudsman proves my innocence and reaffirms my commitment to serving the people of Bohol with integrity and dedication,” said Augmentado.

Aumentado and 68 other officials were placed on a six-month preventive suspension on May 28 due to the construction of the Captain’s Peak Resort in the popular tourist attraction which is also a protected area.

However, the Bohol governor earlier denied being involved in the construction of the resort, noting that it was built in 2018 when he was still a congressman representing the province’s second district.

Aumentado also said then that he was not invited to the Protected Area Management Board meeting in 2022, where the resolution endorsing the development of the resort was approved.

Last June, Aumentado filed a motion for reconsideration challenging the preventive suspension by the Ombudsman. 

“There is no document or act that links me to the approval or support of the resort’s construction, operation and expansion. My conscience is clear. I have no hand in that fiasco, whatsoever,” he said.
—Vince Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News