Still 2 governors in Negros Oriental

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Negros Oriental continues to have two governors pending resolution by the Supreme Court (SC) of a petition for a temporary restraining order filed by Pryde Henry Teves.

Teves questioned the nullification of his proclamation following a ruling of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) declaring Roel Degamo as the winning governor.

In a press conference in Dumaguete City yesterday, Teves asked the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to wait for the SC decision, which he expects to be released today.

DILG-Negros Oriental director Farah Diba Gentuya issued a certification dated Oct. 7, recognizing Degamo as the duly elected governor based on a writ of execution issued by the Comelec en banc on Sept. 27.

Degamo, who attended an event of the Philippine National Police at Camp Fernandez in Sibulan, said he is the legitimate governor of the province, citing the order of the Comelec.

“Without a temporary restraining order, I will stay as governor, which is recognized by the DILG,” Degamo said.

The DILG earlier advised Teves to respect the Comelec ruling as well as its supremacy and authority in election-related issues.