The local government of Panglao, Bohol became aware of the viral post of a netizen named “Vilma Uy” after she shared on social media the outrageous bill for the seafood they ordered at a resort while on vacation in the Virgin Islands.
In this viral Facebook post by Vilma, she expressed shock when the total price of the food for their lunch reached ₱26,100 when they visited the island.
Virgin Island is one of the islands that are often visited by tourists who want to do island hopping in Bohol because of its clear water and white sands.
“Ingon ani na diay kamahal ang pagkaon sa virgin island, bohol? Just airing the sentiments of my friend who recently enjoying their vacation in bohol pero na shock sila sa ila bill, mahal pa sa buffet sa HENNAN resort. pls note : 13 pax cla lahat,” she said in her FB post.
The most expensive ones are oysters, kilaw fish, and scallops worth ₱3,000. They reporttedly calmed down and even haggled over the price but eventually paid just the same.
They did not say if they asked the seller beforehand how much the price of each order was.
Netizens also questioned why their bill was listed only on ordinary paper. Some also said that their food is even more expensive than in the hotel.
Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado ordered to investigate the report of this alleged overpricing. According to the governor’s Facebook post, local officials of Panglao and owners of the resorts will meet regarding the controversy.
“Inutusan na natin ang SP na magsagawa ng imbestigasyon sa pangyayari at pagkakataon na rin ito upang makabuo tayo ng isang resolution or ordinance na makakapagbigay ng proteksyon sa ating mga turista,” Aris said.
“Dahil matagal nang panahon na may iilang negosyante ang nananamantala sa mga turista ng Panglao,” he added.
Meanwhile, a netizen shared a list (breakdown) shared by a netizen Ayaw Pataka, apparently, of the quantity of the food the group ordered. “Sa subrang dami ba naman ng inorder nila. Tira tia na lang ang pinost,” Nancy Bataleran expressed on the screenshot she shared.
FB page, Camp Review Philippines, shared a video showing the selling of seafood, as well as drinks and buko, in the Virgin islands.