Bohol Provincial Board members clash over naming of highway

[MikeLigalig.com]

Bohol Provincial Board members clash over naming of highway

PANGLAO, Bohol, Dec 18 (PNA) -- The honorable members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Bohol finally clashed over naming of Bohol circumferential road during the regular session on Friday held at the posh Bluewater Resort, barangay Danao of this tourist municipality, about 15 kms. south of capital Tagbilaran City.

The camp of Gov. Edgar Chatto and Rep. Rene Relampagos of Liberal Party, who filed a bill No. 4331 to name the said highway to then Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, got what it wants despite strong opposition of the faction of Vice-Gov. Dionisio Balite, a PDP-Laban stalwart.

As expected SP Board Members (BMs) Atty. Benjie Arcamo, Atty. Abel Damalerio, Dr. Elpidio Jala, Dr. Romulo Cepedoza (Liga ng mga Barangay president for Bohol), Ricky Masamayor, Kristine Alexie Tutor, Jade Bautista, all belong to LP, voted for a Resolution endorsing Relampagos’ measure naming the circumferential highway to CPG.

BM Agapito Avenidon, an LP ally and BM Nino Rey Boniel, an oppositionist but both represent 2nd district, abstained.

Outvoted were opposition BMs Dionisio Victor Balite, Atty. Tomas D. Abapo, Jr. and Phil. Councilors League Bohol chapter president Gloria Gementiza who advocated that the said highway be appropriately named after then Governor and Congressman Erico B. Aumentado.

BM Abapo moved for a separate Resolution, also endorsing House Resolution No.4673 proposed by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to name the Bohol circumferential highway to the late Cong. Erico B. Aumentado (EBA) (2nd district), his group was again defeated with Boniel voting.Not over yet

But Boniel said that the fight it’s not over yet until it’s over. He said that former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of Pampanga has filed House Bill No. 4673, to name the Bohol circumferential highway to then cong. Erico Aumentado.

The question remains as to who really deserves of highway name since it is the Congress has the final say to name public highways and other places in honor of deserving public officials in their names.

Earlier in his privilege speech, provincial BM Abapo, Jr. told his collegaues that the Philippines Councilor’s League (PCL) Bohol chapter,led by BM Gloria B. Gementiza, has passed a Resolution asking Congress to name the said highway to EBA.

He also said that the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Bohol chapter, headed by Clarin town Mayor Allen Ray Piezas, an LP ally, was inclined to do the same in the name of the late second district solon EBA, the father of incumbent Congressman Aris Aumentado.

It will be recalled that former board member Gerry Garcia (2nd district, LP) has proposed to name the said highway to EBA.

Then BM Garcia, who did not make it in the congressional race in May 9, 2016 elections, batted for honoring EBA who was very much instrumental in making the circumferential highway a reality.

But his wish appeared to be ignored by the majority of his colleagues (serving 2013-2016) belonging to Chatto’s camp after referring it to a committee until this time it was not taken up yet.

The governor, in his speech during the 120th CPG Day (Nov. 4), said he would endorse to the SP chaired by Balite to name the said highway to CPG.No consultation

Boniel, in an exclusive interview, said it appeared that Relampagos’s proposed House bill lacks consultation with the people especially the municipal mayors in what appeared to be far from the Capitol administration’s bragging about public consultation on matters of public interest.

He said that Relampagos should have consulted the mayors first as a matter of procedure.

Boniel did not hide his preference to name the said highway to EBA. “I just want to be realistic,” he said, saying it cannot be denied that EBA was very instrumental in making the circumferential road a reality, hence, he deserved such a tribute.

There are already names for CPG, such as CPG highway in Manila, streets in some other places and public buildings and the town of former Pitogo, he said.

But he added that he still respect the voice of the majority of the provincial board.

It will be recalled that former Rep. Isidro Zarraga (3rd district) succeeded in naming the former Bohol National High School to Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School allegedly without the benefit of public hearing or consultation.

The move generated an uproar that alumni members and stakeholders wanted its name restored but to no avail. (PNA)

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