Slain mayor’s daughter, 21, wins Cagayan mayoral race
TUGUEGARAO CITY — The 21-year-old daughter of slain Rizal, Cagayan Mayor Joel Ruma has been proclaimed winner of the municipality’s mayoral race, making her one of the youngest elected officials in the country.
Jamila Ruma was declared mayor-elect by the town’s board of canvassers early Monday morning, May 13, after securing a decisive win over retired generals Ralph Mamauag and Florence Littaua.
Ruma garnered 5,134 votes, defeating Mamauag who got 3,661 votes and Littaua who received 170.
Ruma substituted for her father following his assassination during a campaign sortie in Barangay Illuru Sur on April 23.
Her mother, Vice Mayor Brenda Ruma, succeeded in her reelection bid.
The mayor-elect recently graduated with a degree in Development Studies from De La Salle University-Manila, where she was a consistent dean’s lister and recipient of the Best Thesis and Best Thesis Presenter awards.
“Thank you to everyone who believed in me and supported our fight,” the incoming mayor said in a social media post following her proclamation.
Mayor-elect Jamila Ruma, who substituted for her slain father, Mayor Joel Ruma, poses with supporters during her proclamation in Rizal, Cagayan, early Tuesday morning. (Photos courtesy of LGU Rizal/Jamila Ruma)
