Comelec disqualifies Mamba as Cagayan gov

MANILA, Philippines: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) disqualified Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba due to violations of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC) related to the 2022 National and Local Elections (NLE).

In a decision issued on Wednesday, the Comelec's First Division said Mamba violated Sections 2 and 3 of Resolution 10747 in relation to Section 261 of the OEC, «which prohibits the release, disbursement or expenditure of public funds for any and all kinds of public works from March 25 to May 8, 2022».

«Mamba is incorrect in claiming that the prohibition does not extend to local government units,» the decision read. «This prohibition aims to prevent the use of public funds from using the same in furtherance of their own political interests.»

The Comelec also said no Certificate of Exemption was secured from them for the continued implementation of Mamba's projects, programs and activities during the 45-day prohibition period.

Lawyer Victorio Casauay filed separate petitions for disqualification against Mamba, his wife Mabel, and nephew Franco as candidates for governor, vice governor and 3rd district representative of Cagayan, respectively.

«Casauay alleged that they used public funds in providing financial aid, scholarship grants, and various transport vehicles to their constituents during the 45-day prohibition period, in violation of election law and resolutions,» the Comelec ruling read.

Petitions for disqualification against other members of the Mamba were dismissed as moot, since they lost in the recent elections.

The Comelec declared the position of governor of Cagayan vacant and, in accordance with the law of succession, will be automatically filled by Vice Governor Melvin Vargas Jr.