TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan – The Commission on Elections disqualified Gov. Manuel Mamba of this province in the May 9, 2022 elections.
MAMBA
The poll body issued a 23-page ruling on Wednesday, April 24, granting the petition filed by a lawyer who alleged that Mamba used public funds in providing financial aid, scholarship grants, and transportation for their constituents during the 45-day prohibition period in violation of election laws and resolutions.
Mamba appealed to the people of this province to remain calm amid the order issued by the Comelec First Division.
He said in a statement that he is ready to deal with all fabricated cases against him in the processes provided by law.
Mamba said they will file a Motion for Reconsideration before the Comelec en banc within five days.
He said he will remain as governor until there is no final decision.
Mamba said he was also in the same situation in December 2022 when the Comelec Second Division issued a disqualification order against him.
Dr. Zara de Guzman-Lara, who Mamba defeated in the last elections, filed disqualification cases in the First and Second Divisions of the Comelec.
Two days earlier, on Monday, April 22, the Supreme Court (SC) reversed the Comelec decision that dismissed the disqualification case filed against Mamba by Lara.
As a result of the disqualification of Mamba, the vice governor, Melvin Vargas Jr., will automatically fill his post in line with the law on succession.