DILG affirms Comelec ruling on Degamo win

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — There is no need for the Department of the Interior and Local Government to issue an order installing Roel Degamo as Negros Oriental governor, as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has proclaimed him winner in the gubernatorial race, DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said yesterday.

In a memorandum to DILG-Central Visayas chief Leocadio Trovela, Abalos said the agency has no power to question the order of the Comelec or the issue raised by Pryde Henry Teves, whose proclamation as governor of Negros Oriental was annulled by the poll body and the special board of canvassers.

Teves has filed an appeal before the Supreme Court (SC), contesting the nullification of his proclamation.

He has refused to step down from the post, saying there is no order yet showing he was being uninstalled or unseated.

Abalos said the DILG issued an order on Wednesday night, asking Teves to vacate the post and make way for Degamo.

He said there was no need for a temporary restraining order from the SC as the Comelec’s decision is final and executory.

The DILG is open to a dialogue with Teves if he would contest the order to step down, Abalos said.

Unless otherwise ruled, Abalos said the Comelec order remains.

Teves questioned the decision of the Comelec, saying he was not a party to an election protest filed by Degamo before the poll body.

Degamo on Wednesday night took his oath as governor of Negros Oriental before President Marcos at Malacañang.

The nullification of Teves’ proclamation came after the Comelec en banc declared Grego Gaudia, who used the name Ruel Degamo in the ballots, as a nuisance candidate.

The Comelec credited Gaudia’s votes to Degamo, which resulted in the latter getting more votes than Teves.

Abalos ordered the DILG offices in Central Visayas and Negros Oriental to assist in the turnover of the capitol leadership as well as the programs, projects and documents started by Teves.

Teves said the SC is expected to decide on his appeal by Oct. 11. He said he would respect whatever the SC ruling would be.

The Comelec distanced itself from Teves’ decision not to honor its ruling.

“We have done our duty. It’s for the executive to implement it,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia said in a Viber message to The STAR.

Comelec spokesman Rex Laudiangco earlier said they have turned over all necessary documents pertaining to the case to the DILG.

Laudiangco said it is the responsibility of the DILG and not of the Comelec to implement the ruling.

He said the Comelec jurisdiction over the case is only until the proclamation of the winning candidates.

The assumption of office of any winning candidate is the jurisdiction of the DILG, he said. – Romina Cabrera, Robertzon Ramirez