Cagayan VG Mamba accepts 90-day preventive suspension, calls it a 'procedural requirement'

CAGAYAN, Philippines – Cagayan Vice Governor Manuel Mamba has accepted a 90-day preventive suspension order, expressing confidence that "justice and fairness" will prevail and stating that he welcomes the opportunity to present his case.

The suspension follows a July 28 ruling by the Batac City Regional Trial Court Branch 17 in Ilocos Norte, which granted the prosecution's motion to suspend Mamba pending the litigation of a graft case against him. The complainants alleged that the offense was committed in May 2022 while Mamba was serving as the governor of Cagayan.

In a press statement released by the Cagayan Provincial Information Office on Monday, September 21, the vice governor said he fully respects the court's processes and willingly complies with the order, clarifying that it is "not a penalty, but a procedural requirement."

"He remains confident that, as the proceedings take their proper course, justice and fairness will ultimately prevail, and the paramount interest of protecting the people's taxes and public funds will be upheld. He welcomes the opportunity to present his case and exhaust all legal remedies before the proper forum and trusts that the truth will emerge through the judicial process," the statement read.

While away from public office for the next 90 days, Mamba said he will use the time to attend to personal matters, including his health and intellectual pursuits.

Mamba also expressed full trust in the official who will temporarily assume his post, emphasizing that public service and the operations of the provincial government must proceed without interruption.

"He expresses his full confidence that the Acting Vice Governor will effectively manage the day-to-day affairs of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of its functions and services," the provincial information office said.