BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Oriental remains with two governors, pending resolution of the Supreme Court on the Temporary Restraining Order filed by Pryde Henry Teves contesting the nullification of his proclamation as governor of the province.
In a press conference in Dumaguete City, Teves asked the Department of Interior and Local Government to wait for the SC resolution, which he expects to be known today.
Atty. Ferdie Topacio, who joined Teves in a press conference, also advised his client to remain at the Provincial Capitol and continue discharging his duties as governor of Negros Oriental.
This developed as DILG Negros Oriental provincial director Farah Diba Gentuya issued a certification dated October 7, certifying Roel Ragay Degamo as the duly recognized governor of Negros Oriental, pursuant to the Writ of Execution issued by the Commission on Elections en banc on September 27.
Degamo, who attended yesterday the launching of Revitalized PNP Kasimbayan at the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office at Camp Fernandez in Sibulan, maintained that he is the legitimate governor of the province, based on the decision of Comelec en banc.
Without a Temporary Restraining Order, I will stay as governor, which recognized by the DILG, he added.
On the other hand, the League of Municipalities of the Philippines – Negros Oriental chapter, Association of Mayors of Negros Oriental and Association of Barangay Captains of the province expressed their support for Teves during the press conference.
The DILG earlier advised Teves to respect the Commission on Elections ruling and recognize the supremacy and authority of the Comelec in election-related issues.
In the absence of a TRO (Temporary Restraining Order) or a ruling from a high court, the DILG finds no reason to prevent (Roel Ragay) Degamo from assuming his office as Governor of Negros Occidental, as Comelec, under its authority, has already proclaimed him as a winner, Interior Secretary Benjamen Abalos Jr. said in a statement issued by DILG.*
