BOHOL CITY. The management of Villa Tomasa-Alona Kew Hotel Resort has initiated legal proceedings against Panglao, Bohol Mayor Edgardo “Boy” Arcay and his associates. The resort alleges harassment and other charges related to the forced cessation of its operations on April 16, 2024.
The resort’s legal team wasted no time in filing criminal and civil cases against the accused, submitting the lawsuits to the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Bohol City of Tagbilaran on April 26, merely a week after the troubling takeover incident.
According to the resort’s legal representatives, the victims of these alleged illegal actions have taken a firm stand for justice. They emphasize that any attempt to enter into agreements concerning the resort without their knowledge will be met with legal action.
Furthermore, the management asserts that individuals considering purchasing the property should beware, as they maintain a valid option to buy with a right of first refusal. Any cooperation with the dispossession could result in criminal liability.
Expressing profound dismay, the management of Villa Tomasa-Alona Kew Hotel Resort condemns the use of excessive force during the takeover, which left nearly 300 employees traumatized and countless tourists shocked.
Despite repeated attempts to secure a business permit, the resort faced continual denial, exacerbating their plight. They now appeal to government agencies such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to intervene in this matter urgently.
The management’s plea for justice extends beyond the resort owners; they seek to safeguard the livelihoods of their employees, emphasizing that four years remain on their five-year lease agreement.
The sudden closure of one of Bohol’s premier resorts has sent ripples of disappointment throughout the local community and the broader tourism industry. Panglao, known for its tranquil ambiance, is now fraught with uncertainty, leaving both businesses and patrons disheartened.
As legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight remains fixed on this contentious dispute, underscoring the challenges faced by businesses in navigating the complex landscape of local governance and property rights.
Roy Tomandao
Si Roy Tumandao ay kasalukuyang pangulo ng Camp Vicente Lim Press Corps. Nagsimula siya sa larangan ng media noong 1992 at aktibo bilang photo journalist at news correspondent para sa iba’t ibang tabloid. Broadcaster siya ng DZJV 1458 Radyo Calabarzon.
