The Department of Interior and Local Government thanked former governor Pryde Henry Teves for respecting the ruling of Commission on Election (COMELEC) that declared Governor Roel Degamo as the duly elected governor of the province.
Interior and local government secretary Benhur Albalos said the political tension in Negros Oriental has de-escalated as Teves stepped down and give way to a peaceful transition of leadership to Degamo.
Teves voluntarily stepped down as governor of Negros Oriental on the afternoon of October 11 to allow a peaceful transfer of leadership to Degamo, pending a Supreme Court (SC) ruling on the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) which he filed.
Degamo has assumed his office today, October 12. But according to Teves the issue is not over yet pending resolution from the SC. His decision to step down he said is to ensure that services of the provincial government and salaries of its employees would not be disrupted by a standoff.
Abalos is a statement said his office is thankful that the governorship dispute in Negros Oriental has been resolved, with Teves respecting and adhering to the COMELEC ruling proclaiming Degamo as the duly elected governor of the province.
Abalos also lauded DILG-7 Regional Director Leocadio T. Trovela and Provincial Director Farah Gentuya for being at the helm of negotiations and for guiding the smooth transition of the governorship to Degamo.
We also thank Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo for his role in ensuring a smooth communication with both Teves and Degamo.
With this positive development, the delivery of local government services in the province will no longer be disrupted.
