Bohol solon urges Congress to advance Chocolate Hills bill

TAGBILARAN CITY— Bohol Third District Rep. Kristine Alexie Besas-Tutor has urged Congress to continue deliberating priority legislation during the special session, including the proposed Chocolate Hills Geological Monument Act.

In a statement on Friday (July 3), Besas-Tutor said Congress remains capable of advancing important measures even while in recess, noting that House committees may continue meeting to tackle bills that are already substantially complete.

Among these is House Bill No. 831, which seeks to update the legal framework governing the Chocolate Hills Natural Monument.

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READ: Group rejects House bill amending Chocolate Hills protection

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“I am aware that House Bill 831 was overtaken by the sine die adjournment. However, the Committee on Natural Resources can still deliberate on it during the congressional recess if it chooses to do so. The Technical Working Group has already completed its work as early as April,” she said in Filipino.

The lawmaker said the bill’s Technical Working Group completed its work in April and that the proposed amendments are ready for consideration by the House Committee on Natural Resources.

She expressed hope that the measure would move forward, saying thousands of Boholanos have long awaited a clear and lasting solution to issues involving land ownership and livelihoods.

House Bill No. 831 seeks to strengthen the legal framework governing the Chocolate Hills Natural Monument while maintaining environmental protection and addressing long-standing concerns involving private property rights, livelihoods, communities, and local development.

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Besas-Tutor said the proposal is supported by all three Bohol representatives—First District Rep. John Geesnell Yap II, Second District Rep. Maria Vanessa Aumentado, and herself.

She also called on the Department of Budget and Management to ensure that the proposed 2027 national budget includes funding for newly enacted laws and, where possible, provide initial funding under the 2026 budget to allow immediate implementation.

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According to Besas-Tutor, prompt funding is necessary to ensure that new laws are implemented without unnecessary delays, particularly House Bill No. 831, which she said would directly affect the lives and livelihoods of thousands of Boholanos. /jpv

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