Cagayan governor appeals disqualification

BAGUIO CITY , Philippines — Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba has sought reconsideration of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) ruling disqualifying him from the May 2022 general elections.

Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal said Mamba‘s camp would file a motion for reconsideration with the Comelec en banc.

In a decision released on Tuesday night, the Comelec First Division rendered the governor’s seat vacant, to be filled by the vice governor following the law on succession.

 The first division disqualified Mamba for violating the prohibition on the release and disbursement of public funds during the election period.

In a post on Facebook, the Cagayan provincial information office said Mamba has five days to appeal the ruling. It said the governor would remain in his post until there is a final resolution of the case.

Comelec spokesman Rex Laudiangco also told “Storycon” on One News last Thursday that Mamba could stay in his post until the en banc issues a final ruling.

It was the second disqualification case filed against Mamba. In December 2022, the Comelec Second Division issued a disqualification order, but the Supreme Court reversed it.

 Losing gubernatorial bet Zara de Guzman-Lara filed the disqualification cases.

Silang mayor suspended

Meanwhile, in Cavite, Vice Mayor Edward Carranza of Silang has assumed his post as acting mayor following the six-month preventive suspension of Mayor Alston Kevin Anarna. Councilor Mark Anthony Toledo was sworn in as acting vice mayor.

Danny Nobleza, Department of the Interior and Local Government director in Cavite, served the suspension order on Thursday afternoon.

In a decision issued on April 12, Ombudsman Samuel Martires suspended Anarna and his brother Nathaniel, chairman of the bids and awards committee, in connection with the complaints filed against them for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

Private citizen Edgardo Bayan filed the complaints, which stemmed from the purchase of flowers and lights used for the town fiesta in January last year.