Teves Steps Down as Provincial Governor of Negros Oriental
Henry Pryde Teves officially steps down as the provincial governor of Negros Oriental last Tuesday, October 11, 2022. This was after the supreme court “took no action” on his bid for a temporary restraining order against gubernatorial rival Roel Ragay Degamo. Teves told his supporters that he will step down to prevent further escalation of tensions between him and Degamo.
Quick Recap – Election Dilemma
The 2022 Election in Negros Oriental was a buzz with the two most influential candidates, Henry Teves and Roel Degamo, who went head to head for the position of governor. On October 13, 2021, Roel Degamo petitioned to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to declare Ruel Degamo (real name Grego Gaudia) as a nuisance candidate. On December 16, the Comelec 2nd Division granted the then-governor’s petition. However, during the May election, the ballots still had the name of the nuisance candidate. At the end of the poll, Teves won the election. On June 30, 2022 Teves sat at the capitol as the official governor of the province.
Degamo In, Teves Out
As the case dragged on, Degamo sought the Supreme Court’s help. By granting Degamo’s petition for mandamus, the SC compelled the Comelec to decide on his case with Ruel Degamo. The Comelec on October 3 annulled Teves’ proclamation as governor, transferred votes obtained by Ruel to Degamo, and proclaimed the latter as the true winner of the gubernatorial race.
To prevent further tension between Degamo and Teves, the latter officially stepped down from the building and the position of governor. The short term of Teves lasted three months and 11 days.
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