COMELEC disqualifies Manuel Mamba as Cagayan governor | ABS-CBN
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COMELEC disqualifies Manuel Mamba as Cagayan governor
COMELEC disqualifies Manuel Mamba as Cagayan governor
ABS-CBN News
Published Apr 24, 2024 11:30 PM PHT
Cagayan governor Manuel Mamba. Photo courtesy of Provincial Government of Cagayan
Cagayan governor Manuel Mamba. Photo courtesy of Provincial Government of CagayanMANILA - The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has resolved to disqualify Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba for violating the spending ban during the 2022 national and local elections.
MANILA - The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has resolved to disqualify Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba for violating the spending ban during the 2022 national and local elections.
In a decision issued on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, the COMELEC First Division disqualified Mamba for violation of Sections 2 and 13 of Resolution No. 10747 in relation to Section 261(v) of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), which prohibits the release of public funds for any kinds of public works from March 25, 2022 until May 8, 2022.
In a decision issued on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, the COMELEC First Division disqualified Mamba for violation of Sections 2 and 13 of Resolution No. 10747 in relation to Section 261(v) of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), which prohibits the release of public funds for any kinds of public works from March 25, 2022 until May 8, 2022.
In its ruling, the commission quashed Mamba's claim that the prohibition does not extend to local government units.
In its ruling, the commission quashed Mamba's claim that the prohibition does not extend to local government units.
"This prohibition aims to prevent the use of public funds for campaign purposes, and it serves a deterrent effect on incumbent public officials having control and access to public funds from using the same in furtherance of their own political interests," said the COMELEC.
"This prohibition aims to prevent the use of public funds for campaign purposes, and it serves a deterrent effect on incumbent public officials having control and access to public funds from using the same in furtherance of their own political interests," said the COMELEC.
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The COMELEC said the violation of the prohibition became a ground for Mamba's disqualification.
The COMELEC said the violation of the prohibition became a ground for Mamba's disqualification.
However, the commission said Mamba may not be held liable for allegations of vote-buying.
However, the commission said Mamba may not be held liable for allegations of vote-buying.
"The source of the election paraphernalia bearing his name and containing P1,000 bill could not be verified, thus his culpability therefor cannot be established," said the ruling.
"The source of the election paraphernalia bearing his name and containing P1,000 bill could not be verified, thus his culpability therefor cannot be established," said the ruling.
The disqualification case stemmed from petitions filed by Victorio Casauay against Mamba, Mabel Mamba, and Francisco Mamba III as candidates for Governor, Vice-Governor, and Representative of the 3rd District of Cagayan in the 2022 polls.
The disqualification case stemmed from petitions filed by Victorio Casauay against Mamba, Mabel Mamba, and Francisco Mamba III as candidates for Governor, Vice-Governor, and Representative of the 3rd District of Cagayan in the 2022 polls.
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.
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 has declared the office of Governor of Cagayan vacant. It will be automatically filled by the Vice-Governor in accordance to succession.
The COMELEC has declared the office of Governor of Cagayan vacant. It will be automatically filled by the Vice-Governor in accordance to succession.
The Supreme Court earlier COMELEC to rule on the disqualification case filed Mamba based on its merits.
The Supreme Court earlier COMELEC to rule on the disqualification case filed Mamba based on its merits.
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