Teves steps down as Negros Oriental governor

MANILA, Philippines — Pryde Henry Teves finally stepped down as governor of Negros Oriental yesterday afternoon after failing to get a temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court (SC) to overrule a decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) nullifying his victory in the May elections.

Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. confirmed that Teves voluntarily left the office after talking with his supporters in front of the capitol building in Dumaguete City.

“He left peacefully with his wife, lawyers and staff,” Abalos said.

Earlier, Teves said he would only step down and relinquish the post to Roel Degamo once the SC rules on his petition.

Teves told his supporters that “it is not yet over,” referring to an SC ruling giving Degamo time to answer his petition.

He expressed disappointment that the SC did not act on his appeal and instead gave Degamo time to reply.

The SC directed Degamo to comment on Teves’ petition within 30 days from receipt of the order.

The Comelec nullified Teves’ victory in the May elections after it credited the votes obtained by Grego Gaudia, a nuisance candidate who used the name Ruel Degamo in the ballots, in favor of Degamo.

With the additional 49,000 votes, Degamo earned a lead of over 29,000 votes over Teves.