Macias continues to function as governor of Negros Oriental while Degamo waits for TRO

CEBU, Philippines - Assumed Governor Edward Mark Macias of Negros Oriental has continued to discharge the functions and duties of a provincial chief executive while dismissed Governor Roel Degamo waits for the issuance of a temporary restraining order by   the Court of Appeals.

Degamo had applied for a TRO against the dismissal order from the Ombudsman over the case filed against him and two other provincial officials for alleged malversation of public funds and grave misconduct in office.

The two other who were ordered dismissed, Provincial Accountant Teodorico Reyes and Provincial Treasurer Danilo Mendez, however, were able to obtain a TRO from the appellate court, prompting Degamo to question on why he was not accorded the same relief considering that they have the same facts on the case.

With the TRO for Degamo still pending to this day, Macias has already issued memoranda to seven officers-in-charge, namely, Berchmans Patrimonio as provincial administrator and provincial general services officer in a concurrent capacity.

Joselito Bitoon was also recalled to his previous position as provincial warden following his relief due to the recent escape of two carnapping suspects, while Mercy Teves was reappointed to head the Environment and Natural Resources Division.

The other OICs named were Carmelo Dejarisco as provincial veterinary officer, Dahlia Cual as provincial accountant  replacing Reyes, Pedro Tuble replacing Franco Alpuerto as provincial engineer, and Maria Corazon Valencia as provincial budget officer replacing Marilou Alpuerto.

Macias reiterated earlier pronouncements he has nothing to do with the dismissal of Degamo, saying the case  happened when he was not even in politics yet.

The Degamo camp, however, firmly believed this has been the work of the governor’s detractors and the opposition who wanted to get rid of him from politics, because they know, no one from their camp can defeat him in the elections.

Degamo, who remained holed up inside the Capitol building, lamented that, instead of fighting him fair and square through the electoral process, his opponents wanted him unseated through technicality in courts.

Macias, who was forced to hold office at the Sidlakang Negros Village, clarified that he, being the incumbent vice governor, was ordered by the DILG to assume the position of governor and it was his duty to ensure services will continue in the provincial government.

With regards to payables, Macias said he will make sure these are legal, as he suspected that some of these have no authority from the Provincial Board. —(FREEMAN)