Teves refuses to step down – Degamo  

MANILA, Philippines — Pryde Henry Teves has refused to step down despite orders from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), according to newly installed Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo.

Degamo claimed that armed men whom he called ”illegal settlers” have surrounded the provincial capitol as Teves holds on to the post.

The DILG issued an order directing its Central Visayas regional office to facilitate the smooth transfer of duties and responsibilities from Teves to Degamo.

“In the absence of a TRO (temporary restraining order) or a ruling from a high court, the DILG finds no reason to prevent Degamo from assuming his office as governor of Negros Oriental,” Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos said. “The Comelec (Commission on Elections) under its authority has proclaimed him winner.”

He said the DILG “has no power to question the issuance of the Comelec nor rule on the issue raised by Teves.”

Abalos advised Teves to respect the Comelec decision and step down.

“He should recognize the supremacy and authority of the commission in election-related issues to ensure the continuous delivery of public services in the province for the sake of Negrenses,” Abalos said.

Degamo took his oath before President Marcos at Malacañang on Wednesday. He was proclaimed governor of Negros Oriental after the votes garnered by Grego Gaudia were credited to him.

The Comelec declared Gaudia as a nuisance candidate for using the name Ruel Degamo, which caused confusion among the voters.

However, Teves said he would wait for the Supreme Court ruling on his appeal. He said the SC is expected to issue a decision by Oct. 11.