Comelec: Janice Degamo remains a candidate despite DQ case

Inquirer files

DUMAGUETE CITY, NEGROS ORIENTAL, Philippines — Mayor Janice Degamo of Pamplona town, Negros Oriental remains a legitimate candidate for representative of the province’s third district despite a petition for her disqualification.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has warned the public about reports circulating online that Degamo was disqualified by the poll body.

In a Facebook post, the poll body clarified that the image of a supposed “resolution” from its second division is not authentic.

READ: Poll body slams fake news vs Bayan Muna

In an interview with the Inquirer, Degamo said they had already anticipated attacks like this to surface.

“We know the people behind that Facebook page peddling fake news. For years, we’ve known who are capable of this kind of desperate move—they’re shaken and threatened by the support the Degamos have for our campaign. For over 30 years, the Teveses ruled the third district, and they’re afraid that someone like me is challenging them with overwhelming support” she said.

“The moment we found out, I called the Comelec right away to verify. They confirmed it was false, so we asked them to counter the disinformation campaign,” she added.

Degamo is facing a disqualification complaint regarding her residency in Siaton town.

Running against Degamo (Lakas-CMD), who is the widow of the slain Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, are Reynaldo Lopez (independent) and Janice Teves (Liberal Party).

Lawyer Andrei Bon Tagum, counsel of Degamo, said his client transferred her registration as a voter to Siaton town, Negros Oriental on May 6, 2024 which is allowed under the law because she intended to run as representative of the third district.

Degamo, he added, has completed her residency requirement of one year in Siaton for her to qualify as a congressional candidate in the third district.

Degamo has a house in Barangay Bonawon, Siaton and runs a fishing business in the town. /cb