In a developing political landscape, Tagbilaran City Councilor Jonas Cacho has expressed openness to running for Bohol First District Board Member, while controversy brews over the potential inclusion of Facebook fake news spreader and cybercrime suspect Emmanuel “Willy” Ramasola in the Abante Bohol coalition’s lineup.
Cacho, speaking over DYTR’s radio program hosted by Ardy Araneta Batoy, has addressed growing speculation about his political future.
The last termer councilor, who cannot seek re-election in 2025, said he has not received any formal offers to run for the board member position but would consider it if there’s public demand.
“If the people of the first district call for me to serve, I am very much willing to run,” Cacho said.
He emphasized that his motivation would be public service, not personal gain.
“My motive in running is to serve the people, not to grab any convenience attached to being a public official.”
Cacho’s potential candidacy comes at a time of reported internal conflicts within the Abante Bohol group, led by suspended Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado.
Sources close to the coalition claim that Calape Mayor Julius Herrera and Provincial Administrator Aster Caberte have raised objections to including Willy Ramasola in the group’s slate of candidates.
The opposition to Ramasola’s inclusion reportedly stems from his previous social media criticisms of Caberte’s leadership at the Capitol. Ramasola had also taken a swipe on Julius Herrera’s daughter, Goldie Herrera, who ran board member in 2022 elections.
These public statements have apparently created tension within the coalition as it prepares for the upcoming 2025 elections.
Despite being related to Gov. Aumentado on the maternal side, Cacho maintained that there have been no political discussions between them regarding a potential board member run.
“Even if we are relatives, there are no talks along those lines for me to run for higher office,” he said.
Cacho, who was the only opposition councilor elected in Tagbilaran City in 2022, believes his experience makes him well-suited for the board member role.
However, he stressed that any decision to run would come after consulting with family and close associates.
The political landscape in Bohol’s First District remains fluid, with both major coalitions having room to add candidates to their slates.
Abante Bohol currently has one incumbent board member, Lucille Lagunay, and can accommodate two more candidates.
The rival Padayon Bol-anon group has two sitting board members, Atty. Benjie Arcamo and Aldner Damalerio, with one slot available.
As the election season approaches, the controversy surrounding Ramasola’s potential candidacy highlights the delicate balance political coalitions must maintain.
His outspoken criticism of Caberte has made him a polarizing figure within the Abante Bohol group, potentially complicating their candidate selection process.
For his part, Cacho presents himself as a candidate focused on public service rather than political maneuvering.
“I have been loyal to my service mantra to put the public’s welfare first in my role as a politician,” Cacho said.
