Alburquerque Mayor Don Ritchie Buates has returned an award naming him Top Mayor of Bohol’s 1st District. The recognition came from the Civic Accountability Council, which cited his work in infrastructure and tourism. Buates raised questions about the legitimacy of private awards that lack government supervision.
Transparency at the Core
In a Facebook post, Buates emphasized the need for clear evaluation criteria backed by official oversight. He expressed concern over awards that may mislead the public. The mayor also highlighted past instances where recognitions were linked to questionable practices.
Government Oversight Matters
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Bohol clarified it is not linked to awards circulating on social media. Official recognitions undergo strict audits and performance assessments. DILG continues to encourage transparency and proper evaluation in acknowledging local officials.
Rating vs Recognition
The Civic Accountability Council gave Buates a performance score of 9.8 out of 10. Despite the high rating, he returned the award, citing concerns over its private origin. Buates stressed that meaningful recognition must come from government-coordinated evaluations.
The mayor’s stance highlights the importance of transparency in honoring public officials. He encouraged the public to question awards without clear authority or oversight. His action serves as a reminder that credibility matters more than titles.
