Negros vice governor to assume governor's post for 17 days

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Negros Oriental Vice Gov. Jose Baldado has taken over the top post of the province following the untimely demise of Gov. Emilio Macias II who succumbed to liver cancer at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute in Quezon City on Thursday.

Baldado took his oath before Regional Court Administrator Rafael Cresencio Tan in the presence of his family and second district Rep. George Arnaiz about 14 hours after Macias’ death.

He admitted having “mixed feelings” about assuming the post in an unusual manner, as he expressed sympathies to the Macias family.

Baldado, who will hold the post until June 30, lost to Macias in the recent gubernatorial race and has a pending disqualification petition against his opponent before the Commission on Elections, citing, at that time, the late governor’s failing health.

He refused to comment on the scenario, saying that he will tackle the issue when the time comes.

Provincial Election Supervisor Eddie Aba has been quoted as saying that by June 30, the gubernatorial post will be occupied by vice governor-elect Agustin Perdices and Provincial Board Member Roel Degamo as the new vice governor.

This is because of the provision on vacancies and succession as outlined in the Local Government Code of 1991, as well as subsequent vacancies will be filled automatically by the other Sangguniang Panlalawigan members according to their ranking, he said.