Degamo assumes post as Negros Oriental governor

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Roel Degamo finally assumed the governor’s post in Negros Oriental yesterday, a week after Pryde Henry Teves voluntarily stepped down from office.

Degamo was declared as the duly elected governor by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), which nullified the victory of Teves in the May general elections.

“The time for celebration is over. Now is the time for action,” Degamo told workers and staff at the capitol.

He said he would start implementing his plans for a stronger, more united Negros Oriental.

A caravan was held around Dumaguete City on Saturday to mark the return of Degamo to the capitol.

Teves stepped down from the post last Tuesday, paving the way for a peaceful transfer of leadership to Degamo.

Earlier, Teves appealed to the Suprement Court to stop the implementation of the Comelec ruling. But he failed to secure a temporary restraining order from the SC, which prompted him to leave the capitol.

In a post on social media, Degamo promised a new and stronger outlook for the province even as his term was delayed due to electoral fraud.

Degamo’s victory came after the Comelec credited to him the over 49,000 votes garnered by nuisance candidate Grego Gaudi, who used the name “Ruel Degamo” on the ballot.

The additional votes gave Degamo a winning margin of 29,000 votes over Teves’ 301,319.

“I am enthusiastic to be of service once again. I promise that Negros Oriental will be in good hands under my administration,” Degamo said.

He vowed to serve everyone including those who did not vote for him.

Degamo thanked the mayors and his supporters who joined the caravan.

He warned people engaging in illegal activities to stop as he would push for good governance.