MANILA, Philippines — Newly proclaimed Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo took his oath before President Marcos at Malacañang yesterday.
On Monday, a special board of canvassers proclaimed Degamo as governor of Negros Oriental as it annulled the victory of Henry Teves.
This was after an updated canvass of votes showed that Degamo won the gubernatorial race after the votes garnered by Grego Guardia were credited to him.
Degamo got a total of 331,726 votes compared to Teves’ 301,319 votes.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) considered Guardia a nuisance bet when he used the nickname Ruel Degamo in the ballots, which caused confusion among the voters.
Meanwhile, Teves said he would file a quo warranto petition before the Supreme Court (SC).
In a Facebook post on Tuesday night, he said he would only vacate his seat if the SC or Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) issues an order nullifying his installation as governor.
Teves said the high tribunal is expected to come up with a decision on Oct. 11.
”At this moment, I am the governor. There is no order yet that I am unistalled or unseated,” he told reporters.
Teves said he would continue to perform his function to avoid being charged for dereliction of duty.
At yesterday’s Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Comelec spokesman Rex Laudiangco said the poll body had submitted copies of the certificate of proclamation, writ of execution and other Comelec decisions on Degamo’s win to the DILG.