Newly declared winner in Negros Oriental gubernatorial race takes oath

Roel Degamo (third from left) takes his oath of office before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, October 5, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Roel Degamo)

DUMAGUETE CITY — Two days after he was officially declared the winner of the gubernatorial race in Negros Oriental, Roel Degamo took his oath before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Malacañang Palace on Wednesday.

Even before he took his oath, Roel said he had already started his duties and functions as the province’s top executive.

“Since October 3, I’m already the legitimate governor of Negros Oriental. Let me repeat it. I am now your governor,” he said in an 8-minute video posted on his Facebook account on Wednesday, October 5.

“All orders pertaining to the Office of the Governor must emanate from me. That is my strong order to avoid complications,” he added.

His rival Pryde Henry Teves, who was proclaimed governor shortly after the 2022 elections, remained at the capitol despite learning about the decision of the poll body.

Based on the official results, Roel Degamo got the highest number of votes at 331,726, followed by Teves (301,319), and Doc Mark Macias (45,454).

Another candidate named Grego “Ruel Degamo” Gaudia got 49,039 votes in the last elections but was declared a nuisance candidate hence the number of votes he got was nullified and added to Roel’s votes.

In a separate video posted on Facebook, Teves debunked rumors the he already stepped down as governor of Negros Oriental.

“I was already installed by the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) as governor. I was already able to assume office. The DILG should uninstall me first,” he said.

Provincial Board Member Ikay Villanueva told the Inquirer that “its business as usual in the capitol on Wednesday.”