DILG TO TEVES: STEP DOWN, LET DEGAMO SERVE AS NEGROS ORIENTAL GOVERNOR

DUMAGUETE CITY—Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. has ordered unseated Negros Oriental Gov. Pryde Henry Teves to vacate the post and let Roel Degamo assume as chief executive of the province.

Abalos directed Leocadio Trovela, director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Central Visayas, to facilitate the smooth transition of power from Teves to Dagamo pursuant to the writ of execution issued by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc on Sept. 27.

“In the absence of a [temporary restraining order] or a ruling from a high court, the DILG finds no reason to prevent Degamo from assuming his office as governor of Negros Oriental as Comelec, under its authority, has already proclaimed him winner,” Abalos said in a statement released on Thursday.

“We, therefore, advise Mr. Teves to respect and adhere to the Comelec ruling and recognize the supremacy and authority of the commission in election-related issues to ensure the continuous delivery of public services in the province for the sake of Negrenses,” he added.

In a memorandum sent to Trovela, Abalos said there was no need for the DILG to formally install Degamo as governor because the Comelec already proclaimed Degamo as the true winner in the May elections.

Teves earlier questioned the jurisdiction of the Comelec to annul his proclamation on the ground that he was not a party to the case filed by Degamo at the poll body.

But Abalos said they have to abide by the Comelec’s decision, adding that Teves could instead opt to avail of legal remedies, including the filing a court appeal go stop Degamo from assuming the post.

“This department [DILG] has no power to question the issuance of the Comelec nor rule on the issue raised by Mr. Teves,” Abalos said.

“Unless otherwise ruled, the Comelec issuance still stands. This department is directing your (DILG-Central Visayas) office and DILG Negros Oriental to guide and assist in the smooth and proper turnover and/or transition of duties and responsibilities as well as the programs, projects and documents started by Mr. Teves to the newly proclaimed governor, Hon. Degamo,” he added.