The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Negros Island Region (NIR) sees fierce political competition in Negros Oriental province for the May 12, 2025 midterm elections.

This outlook follows the conclusion of the eight-day filing period for certificates of candidacy (COCs) on Tuesday, October 8.

Comelec-NIR Regional Director Lionel Marco Castillano said that the intensity of political rivalry is influenced by the presence of strong contenders and previous political clashes among parties and leaders.

Castillano pointed to the gubernatorial race as particularly competitive, with the return of former governor Pryde Henry Teves.

“We must consider that Henry Teves was once elected governor, even though his proclamation was later annulled. He remains a significant contender,” Castillano said, adding that Teves’ political standing should not be underestimated.

However, he clarified that the rivalry remains political and does not imply any potential for violence.

Teves won the gubernatorial race in the 2022 elections but was unseated after his votes were overturned in favor of then-incumbent Governor Roel Degamo. Degamo received additional votes from Ruel Degamo, who was disqualified as a nuisance candidate by Comelec.

Months after assuming office, Governor Degamo was assassinated, creating further political tension in the province.

In the upcoming polls, Teves is running for governor under the Liberal Party, facing five other contenders: incumbent Governor Manuel L. Sagarbarria, Glendol Badon, Joemarie Jaos, Alexander Larita, and Stephen Tuballa.

Castillano urged candidates and their supporters to keep political battles within the realm of social media, saying, “No one has ever died there.”

Despite concerns about rising political rivalry, Castillano emphasized that placing Negros Oriental under Comelec control would be a last resort, as it could have negative socioeconomic and tourism implications for the province. (PNA)