Tuesday turned out to be a historic and victorious day as the standoff between the two governors of Negros Oriental ended peacefully. It was devoid of most of the intense dramatics that characterized the scenario at the Capitol last June 30.
Sure, there were similarities in that both parties had their supporters gathered in front of the Capitol, and negotiators made several attempts to convince both parties to stay calm, and have a smooth transition.
But this time around, there was no blockades, no fortifications, and definitely no stones piled inside the Capitol to hurl at anyone who tried to unseat their beloved leader.
Up until last Tuesday, people were free to enter and leave the Capitol building, and people continued doing their business transactions at the various offices at the Capitol.
Congratulations are in order. Gov. Roel Degamo is to be congratulated for achieving a victory in being able to assume his fourth term as governor of Negros Oriental. That is no mean historic achievement. This is one for the books, not just for our Province but for the whole country.
Also, Gov. Pryde Henry Teves is to be congratulated for swallowing his pride (pun intended), and despite the strong advice from his flamboyant lawyer that he should legally remain at the Capitol until the Supreme Court renders its decision, Henry chose the path to peace, and voluntarily left the premises to allow Degamo to take over, and usher in a smooth and orderly transition.
With Degamo back in power, we are likewise back to June 30, 2022 as he started undoing almost everything that Henry Teves had accomplished in the last 100 days.
As Degamo told reporters in Manila, his plans for his beloved Province “nasira” (were destroyed) when Teves took over in July.
That’s the sad reality of Philippine politics — which could explain why things are the way they are.
Politics is war, after all. And to the victors belong the spoils.
The new Governor, however, has to demonstrate that aside from officially out-voting his opponent, he truly has the better programs for Negros Oriental, and that he will produce better results that will benefit us all.
So will the new Governor shoot the ball? Or dribble it around?
