CEBU CITY — Provincial board member and acting vice governor Tita Baja will assume the role of acting governor of Bohol following the death of Vice Gov. Victor Dionisio Balite on Wednesday night.

Balite had served as acting governor of the province since May after the Office of the Ombudsman suspended Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado for six months due to issues surrounding the controversial establishment of a resort at the Chocolate Hills in Sagbayan.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Jerome Gonzales said in an interview that Baja, the highest-ranking Sangguniang Panlalawigan member, will automatically step into the position of acting governor.

Additionally, she will also serve as vice governor for the entirety of Balite's term, which expires on June 30, 2025, after Aumentado returns from his suspension.

Meanwhile, Gonzales said that with the vice governor's office now vacant, the next highest-ranking board member, based on the 2022 election results, will take on the role of acting vice governor.

Commission on Elections data reveals that Benjie Arcamo garnered the second most votes in the 2022 elections behind Baja.

However, Arcamo will require a formal designation order from DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. to officially become acting vice governor.