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COMELEC First Division Disqualifies Manuel Mamba As Cagayan Governor
Photo credit: Governor Manuel Mamba
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has rendered a decision disqualifying Manuel Mamba from holding the position of Governor of Cagayan province in connection with the 2022 National and Local Elections (NLE), leading to the declaration of the office as vacant.
In its ruling released on April 24, 2024, the COMELEC First Division found Manuel Mamba guilty of violating Sections 2 and 13 of Resolution No. 10747 alongside Section 261(v) of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC).
These violations pertain to the alleged unlawful use of public funds for various public works during the election period, a prohibition that extends to local government units.
Mamba's disqualification stemmed from his failure to secure a Certificate of Exemption from COMELEC for the continuation of certain infrastructure projects during the 45-day election ban period, as outlined in Section 2 of Resolution No. 10747.
While allegations were made regarding other violations, the evidence presented was deemed insufficient to establish culpability, specifically concerning election paraphernalia distribution bearing Mamba's name and supposedly containing cash.
The disqualification proceedings were initiated by Victorio Casauay, who filed separate petitions against Manuel Mamba, Mabel Mamba, and Francisco Mamba III for alleged misuse of public funds during the election ban period.
With the disqualification of Manuel Mamba, the office of Governor of Cagayan has been declared vacant, to be filled by the Vice-Governor in accordance with succession laws.
The petitions against Mabel Mamba and Francisco Mamba III were dismissed as they no longer hold relevant candidacies in the 2022 NLE.
In its ruling released on April 24, 2024, the COMELEC First Division found Manuel Mamba guilty of violating Sections 2 and 13 of Resolution No. 10747 alongside Section 261(v) of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC).
These violations pertain to the alleged unlawful use of public funds for various public works during the election period, a prohibition that extends to local government units.
Mamba's disqualification stemmed from his failure to secure a Certificate of Exemption from COMELEC for the continuation of certain infrastructure projects during the 45-day election ban period, as outlined in Section 2 of Resolution No. 10747.
While allegations were made regarding other violations, the evidence presented was deemed insufficient to establish culpability, specifically concerning election paraphernalia distribution bearing Mamba's name and supposedly containing cash.
The disqualification proceedings were initiated by Victorio Casauay, who filed separate petitions against Manuel Mamba, Mabel Mamba, and Francisco Mamba III for alleged misuse of public funds during the election ban period.
With the disqualification of Manuel Mamba, the office of Governor of Cagayan has been declared vacant, to be filled by the Vice-Governor in accordance with succession laws.
The petitions against Mabel Mamba and Francisco Mamba III were dismissed as they no longer hold relevant candidacies in the 2022 NLE.
Apr 24, 2024
