NEGROS ORIENTAL — The political landscape in the third district of Negros Oriental is bracing for a heated special congressional election scheduled for December 9, with two high-profile candidates poised to enter the fray.
According to Philippines News Agency, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, the widow of slain Governor Roel Degamo, is expected to file her certificate of candidacy (COC) between November 6 and 8 for the upcoming poll. Similarly, the commission anticipates former governor Pryde Henry Teves, the younger brother of expelled Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr., to submit his candidacy within the same period.
Comelec-Central Visayas director, lawyer Lionel Marco Castillano, conveyed to the Philippine News Agency that the role of Comelec is merely procedural, accepting COCs from all individuals seeking to represent Negros Oriental, provided they meet legal qualifications and are not prohibited by law from running. Castillano underscored that any concerns regarding the legality of an aspirant’s COC can be addressed through a disqualification complaint and will be subject to due process.
The Teves political lineage has faced significant controversies. Arnolfo Teves Jr. was removed from his position in the House of Representatives on August 16 for reasons including neglect of duty and improper conduct, based on an 18-page report by the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges. This action marked the first instance of a House member being expelled without a preceding criminal court conviction.
Teves Jr., accused of orchestrating the murder of Governor Degamo and nine others on March 4, remains abroad following the expiration of his leave of absence in March. Moreover, the Teves brothers have been designated as terrorists in a resolution by the Anti-Terrorism Council on July 26, 2023, linked to violence and intimidation in Negros Oriental contributing to a climate of fear.
In addition to Degamo and Teves, the special election could see Siaton Mayor Fritz Diaz and retired Philippine Navy Colonel Rey Lopez, both allies of the Degamo family, joining the electoral contest. Both Diaz and Lopez have publicly expressed their potential candidacy on social media, stirring further interest in the special poll.