Miss Bohol titleholders win this year's elections

By Leo Udtohan

Mutya sa Bohol 1986 and Engr. Gemma 

Manding-Inting

 is the only woman elected in the 

Tagbilaran City Council. 

Contributed photo 

So you think that only businessmen heed the Pied Piper call to the political arena? Think again.

Beauty queens are, too.

Two of them are former Misses Bohol-- Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado and Gemma Manding-Inting who won this year's elections. 

The face of politics in Bohol province isn't only changing, it's getting beautified as Cadorna-Aumentado was elected as first  congresswoman of the second district of Bohol. 

Miss Bohol 2001 Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado is the first woman representative of the second district of Bohol. Contributed photo

As a registered nurse and Miss Bohol 2001, Aumentado said she will focus on health, tourism, youth and agriculture.

“I feel the pressure because I am a neophyte. But I am confident I can bring the services to the second district of Bohol,” she said.  “I will serve the people with competence, commitment, passion and dedication.”

Bohol’s second district has 14 LGUs with 346 barangays.

Engr. Gemma Manding-Inting was also elected as Tagbilaran Councilor. She will be the lone woman in the city council. 

Her advocacy is autism awareness and services for special children.

Manding-Inting, one of the Tagbilaran's Five Prettiest in 1985, was crowned Mutya sa  Bohol in 1986. 

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These "50 life lessons" from Regina Brett, a New York Times best-selling author and a Pulitzer Prize finalist, are fun to read. They’re insightful and full of personality. 

The universal lessons are relatable to anyone who needs a little reminder of what’s important in life. Soak in and reflect on. 

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado with her husband Bohol governor-elect Erico Aristotle Aumentado at the provincial Capitol. Photo: Van-van Aumentado Facebook 

 

 

 

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don't ask, you don't get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

Catigbian wins NCCA's Haligi ng Dangal Awards

By Leo Udtohan

The Catigbian Municipal Town Center in Bohol province designed by Archt. German Janus Niño Guidaben. Photo: Archt. German Janus Niño Guidaben

The Catigbian Municipal Town Center has been honored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

It is one of the winners of the 2022 Haligi ng Dangal Awards, which is given by NCCA’s committee on architecture and the allied arts during a Saturday (May 28) ceremony at 

Metropolitan Theater Manila. 

Designed by Archt. German Janus Niño Guidaben, the Catigbian Municipal Town Center has the creative integration of local architecture exemplifies the virtue of a sense of place and pride of identity. 

The NCCA cited the Catigbian Municipal Town Center as a "testament of rising anew may be seen in this project, for it demonstrates how Boholanos have transcended hardships by rebuilding major government edifices." 

The Haligi ng Dangal is a biennial award conferred by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) through the National Committee on Architecture and the Allied Arts.  It honors examplary works of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, and Urban and Environmental Planning. 

Reelected Bohol Catigbian Mayor Elizabeth Mandin holds the plaque after her town hall has been conferred the Haligi ng Dangal Awards 2022 under People Choice Category at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila on Saturday, May 28, 2022.  She is accompanied by Archt. German Janus Niño Guidaben and Benjie Oliva. Contributed photos

For this year's event, the other honorees were Teatro Amianan of the University of the Philippines-Baguio City for Architecture which is designed by Archt. Aristotle Go, and Bulacan Capitol Garden of Bulacan Capitol Compound in Malolos City for Landscape Architecture which is designed by L.Archt. Madonna Danao, L.Archt. Ross Pabustan and L.Archt. Danilo Flores. 

Reelected Catigbian Mayor Elizabeth Mandin received the plaque. She was accompanied by former youth leader Benjie Oliva and Guidaben. 

The Catigbian town hall was damaged by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake on Oct. 15, 2013.

Thru the Bohol Earthquake Assistance BEA Fund, it paved way to the construction of the Catigbian Municipal Town Center, a testament of how Boholanos have transcended hardships by rebuilding major government edifices. 

The creative integration of local architecture exemplifies the virtue of a sense of place and pride of identity. 

Its basic sustainability feature of using white colored roofing, natural ventilated common areas, pavers for rainwater percolation to natural ground. 

The integration of the callado, ventanilla and local lattice design motifs unravels the splendor of vernacular architecture woven into major public edifices.

After it was finished, the municipal town center has become a destination. Locals and tourists would stop and have pictures taken with the building as their background.

Guidaben felt so much pride and joy seeing that design through architecture enshrines empowerment of the people and the community for it intensifies the sense of identity of the locality.

He incorporated the architectural elements found in heritage houses and structures seen commonly in Catigbian into the design of the town hall. Which is why the townspeople have naturally embraced and valued their newly rehabilitated government center and are proud of it. He considers that success which is worth beyond material gains from the project.

• 

  Archt. German Janus Niño Guidaben

Guidaben studied heritage conservation in University of Rome in 2013, Theater architecture in Antwerp, Belgium in 2016, and the architect representative for the Prague Quadrennial theater exposition in the Czech Republic in 2011.

He is also an active Member of the United Architects of the Philippines and became the president of the Bohol chapter for three consecutive terms from 2018-2020. 

He is also an international associate of the American Institute of Architects and has attended the AIA conferences in New York and Las Vegas in 2018 and 2019.

Aside form the Catigbian Municipal hall, Guidaben also designed major architectural edifices in the province like the Tagbilaran City hall and its fountain foreground park, the ongoing Alburquerque Municipal Hall and the proposed Jagna Municipal Hall.

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These helpful reminders, Retirement, author unknown, contributed by Anthony Ceniza of Panglao: 

1. One day you will retire. You won't be going to work. You won’t have office power any more. No influence or at best, a reduced influence. Your cash flow will also reduce.! Check retirement date on your payslip.

2. Always  go for your 30 days annual leave. Whatever you do during your leave, is what you will be doing when you retire. If all you do is to sleep or watch TV, then that’s what you are likely do do in your retirement. Remember the book of Proverbs. A little sleep and a little slumber, so shall your poverty multiply. 

Watching Big Brother Naija will not save you heartache in retirement. Learn a trade or a skill during your leave. It will come handy. Spend your after-office hours learning something. Don’t spend it sleeping, Gossiping, watching TV!! Same goes for your weekend. Make them productive. You will thank yourself for spending your time productively. 

3. Invest for your retirement... your children are not retirement investment. Don’t bank on your children’s support or the support of friends or relations. That’s a BIG risk. It may not happen. Be ready to take care of yourself!! Everyone has his own responsibilities. They won’t be able to help you that much. You will also lose your dignity and respect if you adopt a life of begging. 

4. Start a hobby early in your working days to take you along when you retire. Rearing chicken, farming or own a shop. Acquire marketable skills ( not useless paper certificates) Etc

5. Where shall you retire. Build yourself a home. Don't retire and start to rent a house or refuse to vacate government house. You will be at the mercy of your landlord at a time when your cash flow is not only reduced but unpredictable!!

6. Who shall be your dependants. By the time you retire, your children should be above 18, and self reliant.

7. Don't retire and stay in a big city unless you can TRULY afford it. You can't continue living in a big city after 60 with limited financial resources. The language and the hustle will be hard for you. Where possible, Relocate to a less expensive town where your reduced take home (pension) can go further. 

8. Have property which can be rented or converted into cash. Have shares that pay good dividends. Plant cash trees. Rear goats, cultivate vegetables etc. these activities will not only give you income but will also keep you healthy. 

9. Live a simple life. If you never built a house at your rural home, dont use your retirement package to build. It is unwise unless you plan to live there on a permanent basis or you are super rich and therefore can afford the luxury. The choice is yours. 

Note that many of retirees die early because of the following: 

1. They are not mentally prepared to retire.

2. Lack of finances. 

3. They lapse into depression. 

4 They develop Hypertension/ Diabetes because of worries, anxiety and uncertainty and financial pressures. 

Your desk at your work place is not permanent. Plan for your retirement. 

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

'Oppa' CJ Memije: Sexy is intelligence

By Leo Udtohan

Christian James Memije on what part of his body is most vulnerable:  "My face."

Admit it: Whether dressed in full clothes or bare from the waist up or partly covered (from the waist down), Christian James "CJ" Memije exudes sexiness and cuteness, an Oppa from Bohol. 

Girls and fans really want to get to know CJ, whose smile can really melt anyone's heart. 

"Even though I get it a lot, I still get flattered every time," he said. 

During the pandemic, he's adjusting from overwhelming consequences of the pandemic. 

"My world took a 180-degree turn. Just when I was getting used to my life in Manila, I had to go back here and start adjusting again. Despite everything that's been happening, I start and end my day with a prayer and a grateful heart," he said. 

To protect himself from COVID-19, he follows the the minimum health protocols. "Aside from that, I also take vitamins and exercise regularly to keep myself healthy," he said.

More on CJ: Libra (Oct. 10); height: 5’8”; weight: 132 lbs.; size of shirt and brief: medium; and size of shoes: 9

Let's scratch him a bit more and find out how sexy he is inside.

What are your usual daily activities and how do you spend your spare time (if you have any)?  "As an engineering student, I usually spend my time doing academic-related stuff. Dealing with numbers all day long is really tiresome so whenever I get the rare opportunity to have some time for myself, the first thing that comes to mind is to do a quick drive around the island."

What kind of diet do you follow?  "I don't really follow a strict one. I just make sure to eat 3 times a day and consume everything in moderation." 

How much water do you take per day?  "I'm an avid water drinker. The required 8-10 glasses per day would only look pale in comparison to how much I actually drink. Around 5 liters, maybe." 

What vitamins do you take? "I take multivitamins so that aside from boosting my immune system, my body also gets the necessary vitamins it needs to operate well on the daily." 

What do you think is the smartest thing that you’ve done so far? "When the pandemic came, I have decided to become more financially literate and be smarter in spending my money." 

What do you think is the biggest decision that you’ve made in your life? "Choosing school over being an actor." 

Have you always wanted to be a model since you were small? "No. It all started from peer pressure but I learned to love being one eventually." 

What are your future plans? "Pursue my dream of becoming a pilot." 

What place in Bohol you would like to promote and bring your friends? "Ubay. It's my hometown and is an underrated town in the province. People should visit it more and see what I'm talking about." 

What are your winning traits? "I'm diligent and will work hard to get what I want." 

What is your best asset and why? "I love challenging myself and keep on doing things I think will help me become a better person." 

Describe yourself in three (3) words: "Optimistic, ambitious, hardworking."

How's your love life? "I don't have someone in particular right now but I don't really mind at all because I think love isn't something I need to be hasty about." 

What workout do you do? "I only do light exercises. Running for cardio, planks and curl ups for the core, and occasional lifting just to keep my muscles toned." 

What part of your body needs improvement? "Nothing. I'm not saying that I'm perfect but I'm really just contented with the way I look." 

What part of your body is most vulnerable? "My face." 

What part of your body is your favorite? "My nose." 

What is sexy to you? "Sexy is intelligence. Intelligence is sexy." 

Part of your body that you consider sexiest: "My eyes." 

Singer with a sexiest voice: "Taylor Swift." 

Sexiest movie: "Attack on Titan." 

Sexiest clothes:  "Sweaters/long sleeves." 

Sexiest perfume: "Bvlgari." 

Sexiest time of the day:  "Night." 

What do you find sexy in a woman? "Aside from intelligence, I think a woman with a good sense of humor is sexy too." 

And what turns you off? "People who don't know how to mind their own business and invade others' privacy."

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

Old, familiar names win in Bohol

By Leo Udtohan

Your VRS with media colleagues Dave Charles Responte of dyTR and Allen Doydora of dyRD as witnesses of the cavassing of results for the province of Bohol with Ms Malou Cempron of the provicial Comelec office. The provincial board of canvassers are lawyer Eddie Aba, chairperson; lawyer Nilo Ahat, vice chairperson and lawyer Edmar Rodela, member-secretary.  Photo: Leo Udtohan

Political families in Bohol province have regained or expanded their political control and influence after the May 9 elections.

The Chatto family has tightened their grip in Balilihan town and on the province’s first congressional district after Rep. Edgar Chatto was reelected. 

The Aumentado family have also expanded their control of politics in the province and the second congressional district.

For the third district, Rep. Alexie Besas-Tutor, was reelected after beating Valencia Mayor Katrina Lim of the powerful Lim family. 

Reelectionist Balilihan Mayor Maria Pureza Veloso-Chatto kept his seat as mayor. Her daughter, lawyer Esther Patricia, was elected vice mayor.  Pureza's husband, incumbent 1st district Rep. Edgar Chatto, a veteran politician, also won with a wide margin against his opponents.  

However, Pureza's brother outgoing Tagbilaran City Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso who was running for mayor was defeated by Jane Yap, becoming the first last mayor of Tagbilaran.

Jane, wife of outgoing Tagbilaran Mayor John Geesnell "Baba" Yap II, also defeated Baba's uncle, former Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim. 

Jane's father, former 2nd district Rep. Roberto Cajes was also elected mayor in Trinidad town. Her sister, incumbent councilor Joan Cajes-Imboy was reelected in Trinidad town. 

In Inabanga town, councilor Jose Jono Jumamoy, was elected mayor. His mother incumbent mayor Josephine Socorro Jumamoy was elected vice-mayor. However, Jono's only sister Jaja, a commercial pilot and former provincial board member, lost her bid as representative for Bohol's 2nd district. 

Jaja's rival, Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado, was elected as first woman representative of the second district. 

Winners all. Some Boholano politicians are successful in their electoral bid: Governor-elect Erico Aristotle Aumentado, Vice governor-elect Dionisio Victor Balite, reelected 3rd district Rep. Alexie Besas-Tutor and new 2nd district Rep. Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado.  Photo: Leo Udtohan

Cadorna-Aumentado is the wife of outgoing 2nd district Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado who won by landslide against rival Gov. Arthur Yap.  Erico's niece, lawyer Jiselle Rae Villamor, won a seat in the provincial board in the second district. 

The Relampagos clan was weakened by the deafeat of reelectionist Vice Gov. Rene Relampagos, a veteran politician whose career in politics spanned for three decades. He was defeated by board member Dionisio Victor Balite whose younger brother, Dionisio Neil, won as mayor in Valencia town. 

But other clan members kept their posts: 

incumbent Loon mayor Elvi Peter Relampagos and vice mayor Lloyd Peter Lopez were reelected. Elvi is the older brother of Rene, while Lopez is first cousin of Relampagos brothers. 

It is a bittersweet victory for former Bohol Vice Governor Julius Cesar Herrera who was elected mayor in Calape town. His daughter, Margaux Herrera-Caya, a newcomer lost her bid as board member in the first district. 

In Panglao town, incumbent mayor Leonila Paredes-Montero was elected last councilor. Her daughter, incumbent councilor Amira Alia Montero-Caindec, failed to secure the mayoral seat after defeated by newcomer Edgardo "Boy" Arcay. 

In Dauis town, outgoing mayor Marietta Tocmo-Sumaylo was elected vice mayor. However, her husband, Liga ng mga Barangay-Dauis Chapter president Josever Sumaylo, was defeated by a newcomer Roman Bullen, a seaman. 

Bohol 3rd district Rep. Kristine Alexie Besas-Tutor was reelected, while her husband, outgoing Candijay mayor Christopher Tutor was elected vice mayor. 

It was victory for Camacho brothers in Getafe town. Incumbent mayor Casey Shaun Camacho was elected vice-mayor, while his brother former mayor Cary Camacho regained his former position.

In Ubay, incumbent mayor Constantino Reyes was reelected while his wife incumbent councilor Violeta was reelected. 

Former Carmen Mayor Conchita Toribio- Delos Reyes was elected mayor. Delos Reyes' twin sister Angilita Toribio-Abundo failed her reelection bid. 

Outgoing Garcia Hernandez Mayor Tita Baja won as board member  in the third district of Bohol. Her brother, Filadelfo Jess Baja III, won as mayor. 

Newcomer lawyer Jiselle “Jamie” Aumentado Villamor

 is elected board member in the second district of Bohol. Contributed photo

Some are unsuccessful in their electoral bids. 

Reelectionist 2nd district board member Frans Gelaine Garcia-Devenosa was unable to capture a seat in the provincial board, while her husband Michael Devenosa who was running for councilor in Pres. Carlos P. Garcia (PCPG) failed to secure a seat. Her father, former board member Gerardo Garcia, failed in the race for congressman. 

Incumbent Pilar mayor Necitas Tabaranza- Cubrado failed her reelection bid. Her daughter, Vanessa Cubrado, also failed to take a seat in the council. 

Aumentado was welcomed with cheers from Capitol employees who had lined up to meet him. He also visited some offices before his proclamation.

“My inspiration was to bring change to Bohol. Rest assured, I will protect the money of the people. I will not do something that will anger you,” said Aumentado.

Tutor thanked her supporters who stayed behind her during the campaign and the elections. 

"Thank you third district! We have shown around the world that our district is principled, looks at the actions and deeds of its leaders, and has the love and conscience to vote for a good leader,” Tutor said.

“I feel the pressure because I am a neophyte. But I am confident I can bring the services to the second district of Bohol,” Cadorna-Aumentado said.  “I will serve the people with competence, commitment, passion and dedication.”

"Let’s work hand in hand, and bring to the fore quality service and clean governance in Bohol, which the Boholanos truly deserve," said Villamor. 

Bohol with 1.4 million people has 949,791 registered voters. 

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

Your vote is your future

By Leo Udtohan

Your vote. Your choice. Your future.

Every election, you have one vote. But that one vote can define the future of our country.

As we vote tomorrow, May 9, we will decide who will run our province for the next three years.  

Your vote is your dignity and respect.

While reading this little corner, read carefully the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV)’s 10 commandments for Responsible Voting:

1. Vote according to the dictates of your conscience.

2. Respect the decision of others in choosing their candidates.

3. Seek to know the moral integrity, capabilities, and other personal qualities of the candidates you will vote for.

4. Strive to understand the issues, platform, and programs of candidates and parties campaigning for your vote.

5. Do not sell your vote.

6. Do not vote for candidates using guns, goons, gold, and glitter.

7. Do not vote for candidates tainted with graft and corruption.

8. Do not vote for candidates simply because of “utang na loob” (debt of gratitude), popularity, good looks, or “pakikisama” (peer pressure).

9. Do not vote for candidates living an immoral life.

10. Always put the welfare of the country as top priority in choosing the candidate you will vote for.

 * * * 

Speaking of #5:  Just save your P20 coin.

In Bohol province, where vote-buying and vote-selling still rampant, P20 coin is useless until election period is over.

It was just a usual gathering of at least seven neighbors-mostly women-on Thursday morning in a village in Tagbilaran City. 

Their topic: Uwan-uwan (showers) or "inangayan" (shares) and how much would get they get from candidates.

"Mag-uwan gyud og kuwarta basta panahon sa election. Mao sab ni time nga powerful ang leader (It will always rain with money during elections. This is also the time the leader is powerful)," said Jinky, a resident of Tagbilaran. 

Regardless of the area, the modus is still the same: ward leader lists down the names of registered voters in the purok (sub-village). Payouts were usually done from early morning until noon.

Most of them received P50 last May 1 from  some candidates running for councilors. 

They were thankful that this year's elections offer a higher "rate" from local candidates. 

"Mapugos sila og hatag og P50 kay dili naman mai-stapleran ang P20 (The candidates are forced to give P50 because they can't staple the P20 coin)," Divina (family name withheld) was referring to Philippine twenty-peso coin.

Divina, 49, said she was not selling her vote but she is receiving her "share". 

“Blessing man gud ang uwan-uwan. Karun ra gani mi makadawat sa among bahin. Botar lang ko kinsay ganahan nako botaran (It's a blessing. It’s only during elections that we can receive this amount. I will just vote whom I like),” she justified. 

But some candidates for councilors in Tagbilaran managed to find P20 bill and distributed it.

Paul said that while he wondered by candidates would still bother to give P20 when not much could be bought, he still accepted it. 

“It is better than nothing,” he said.

Not everyone gave cash.

A mayoral candidate gave a health card, while mayoral candidates gave papers with a QR code. 

Aside from P50, a mayoral candidate attached a claim stab of 3 kilos of rice to its sample ballot. 

Some voters received P100 from a vice mayoral candidate last Wednesday. Another P100 for the second round from the same candidate on Thursday. 

"Lipay ko kay ikaduha mi gitagaan (We are happy, we received money twice)," said Hilda, a resident. 

In Panglao town, a mayoral candidate gave P1,000, while another candidate P300. But the amount goes higher two or a day of the election. 

In Tubigon town, some residents already received their money last week.  P200 from a gubernatorial candidate, P500 from a mayoral candidate, while P50 or P100 some councilors.  

In Bilar, P1, 000 to vote straight. It's P4,500 for three voters in some areas like Sevilla. 

In Carmen town, P1,700 for the whole slate including the provincial slate. However, voters should get their money from a barangay captain. 

In Dimiao, P500 were given from a congressional candidate. 

In Loboc town, it's P2,500 each voter. 

A number of residents in Bohol said they were expecting a second wave after receiving cash from the candidates, many as early as May 1.

"We are expecting second wave on Sunday evening or early Monday,” said Cesar, a resident of Dauis. 

The rate for local positions is P50 to P1,000 per voter.  Sometimes it’s a “package deal” for a whole family or household for as much as P3,000 to P20,000 depending on how close the contest is perceived in a particular area.

Dr. Jerome Magallen, a Bohol-based psychologist, said vote buying in the province perceived as normal Bohol because they were used to it.

"It is a sad reality today that every election they are expecting money," he said.

He, however, said there were a handful voters who would not sell their votes.

"This has a big impact to the society. It seems money becomes a barometer for a candidate to win instead of their capacity and qualification. Another thing there is a possibility that if ever they win that is when corruption begins," he said. 

Magallen said voters should think of their future and the community when casting their votes.

"Vote according to your conscience," he said. 

In the past weeks, the Dioceses of Tagbilaran and Talibon in Bohol have discouraged vote-buying and vote-selling. 

The Comelec said it is illegal to buy and sell votes and violators could face prison terms of one to six years and disqualification from holding public office.

VRS wants to hear from you. Tell me what you thought about the election! You can e-mail me at leoudtohan@yahoo.com.

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

Loay Old bridge stirs memories

By Leo Udtohan 

The Olegario B. Clarin Sr. Bridge in Loay town was a landmark in the province. As the bridge collapsed last Wednesday, April 27, 202, associated memories for communities and generations of people could well be lost. Photos: Leo Udtohan

When I was a young boy, I could easily tell I was in Loay town upon seeing the Olegario B. Clarin Sr. Bridge that crossed over the Loboc River.

A lot of my travels (especially going to San Miguel and Ubay towns) is tied to that bridge, so it’s a bit melancholic to think that it’s gone. 

My last stop at the bridge was on Feb. 21, 2016. I was with journalists Jessa Agua-Ylanan and Edward Guyano. We took a souvenir photo before attending the birthday party of Engr. Buboy Labunog. After dinner, we were treated for a quick tour to the Aeta tribe while cruising the river. The bridge was the starting point for the firefly tour.

To the old Clarin bridge, thank you for being part of every Boholano and visitor’s travel. To the new one, looking forward to decades of travel and commute. May you withstand the trials of times, as your predecessor did.

* * * 

Sad day for Bohol 

Newly married Austrian couple Michael and Julia Ouschan were on their way back to their hotel in Panglao town, after driving around the province when tragedy struck on Wednesday afternoon.

Their rented car was among the vehicles that fell into Loboc River when the old Loay Bridge collapsed past 4 p.m.

Michael was among the four people who died in the tragedy that also injured 23 others. The other fatalities were 

Arniel Cilos, 40, of Dauis; Emilia Gimena, 72, of Loay; Epifhany Carmee Oñada, 29, of Tagbilaran City.

Gov. Arthur Yap said the Austrian Embassy in Manila had been informed about the death of Michael.

“It’s a sad day for Loay and Bohol,” said Loay Mayor Hilario Ayuban Jr.

Police said the Ouschans, who were in Bohol for their honeymoon, rented a car and toured the province. They were already on their way back to their hotel in Panglao when the accident happened.

Julia survived after her husband pushed her out of their submerged car. Michael, however, failed to get out of the vehicle.

Julia was inconsolable after rescuers recovered Michael’s body past 7 p.m.

Oñada, was with his friends, Alberto Manuel and Gian Arlo Gagni, on board another vehicle and on their way home after putting up campaign posters of a senatorial candidate. His friends tried to get him out of the vehicle until they ran out of breath.

When Alberto's mother, Glorivic, learned of the news, she immediately went to the area. She hugged her son and Gian when she saw them alive. 

"Epi was like a son to me, a part of the family," said Glorivic, a former barangay captain in Tagbilaran City.

According to Anthony Damalerio, provincial disaster risk reduction and management officer, the bridge collapsed into the 8-meter deep Loboc River due to overloading and the condition of the structure, which was built in the 1970s. It linked Barangays Villalimpia and Poblacion Ubos in Loay.

Several vehicles were on the bridge when the accident happened.

Damalerio said the bridge collapsed when a dump truck, which carried “anapog” (limestone), reached the middle section of the structure, citing accounts by Jury Namboc, who was working in another bridge which was being constructed to replace the old one.

The new bridge, worth P465 million, was expected to be completed within the year. But apparently due to the accident, the new bridge would be opened on May 3, according to Magiting Cruz, district engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) third engineering office here.

According to Ayuban, the DPWH allows vehicles to pass through the old bridge while the replacement bridge is being constructed.

Liberato Lupot Jr., a civil engineer and dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at BIT International College here, said Clarin Bridge was a single-span bridge with no intermediate column in the middle.

Lupot, a professor on bridge engineering, said single-span bridges were safe as long as these met the standards.

“Vehicle overloading damages road surfaces and causes fractures in bridges, greatly shortening the service life of roads. Heavy load causes metal fatigue aside from oxidation or rusting,” he said.

What happened to Clarin Bridge, he said, was a “total rupture.”

Constructed in the 1970s, the bridge had undergone retrofitting after a 7.2-magnitude quake hit Bohol in 2013.

The lifespan of a steel bridge, Lupot said, is 50 to 60 years, shorter than that of a concrete bridge which could last for 100 years.

Ang Probinsyano party-list barnstorms Bohol

By Leo Udtohan

Number 50 Ang Probinsyano Party-List Rep. Edward Delos Santos and Mike Chua with Panglao Mayor Nila Montero and officials on Saturday, April 30, 2022.  Photos: Leo Udtohan

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The Alyansa ng mga Mamamayang Probinsyano, also known as the Ang Probinsyano Party-list barnstormed Bohol on Saturday, April 30. 

Number 50 Ang Probinsyano Party-List Rep. Edward Delos Santos and Mike Chua got a warm welcome in San Isidro and Panglao towns.

At the venues, vlogger Donnalyn Bartolome and actor Zanjoe Marudo entertained the cheering crowds. 

Bartolome's singing prowess mesmerized fans in Barangay Libaong. Women swooned over Marudo's  hotness that they breached security and ran to the stage to embrace the celebrity.

They are endorsing Ang Probinsyano, known for rural advancement advocacy.

De Los Santos vowed to pursue projects for Bohol and other parts of the country. 

"Nais naming ipagptuloy ang serbisyo sa inyong lahat," said Delos Santos. 

This was echoed by Chua who reiterated their commitment to facilitate progress.

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