By Jessica M. Bacud
TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan – The Mamba clan gained a mandate for another three years of leadership in the province of Cagayan as the recent official poll results showed victory for Governor Manuel N. Mamba, Mayor William, Vice Mayor Francisco Jr., and number one Sangguniang Bayan councilor Marcy Mamba-Perez, respectively in Tuao town.
Governor Mamba expressed his profound gratitude to those who voted for him and believed in his crusade against corruption in the recent local elections.
“I thank every Cagayano for the trust and mandate they have given to me and to my wife, Mabel, my children JM and Noel, my brothers and sisters who inspired and supported me along the way,” Mamba said in earning a third straight term.
“Our crusade, Krusada Kontra Korapsyon “Huwag Iboto Kandidatong Bumibili ng Boto” did work for me,” the governor said.
Meanwhile, Mayor William N. Mamba garnered an overwhelming victory with 27,777 votes over his rival Jun Daquial (2,058 votes).
Vice Mayor Francisco N. Mamba Jr. also won in a landslide, getting 27,297 votes against Nilo Baligod (2,188 votes).
Mayor Mamba candidly expressed his gratitude to his supporters.
“Thank you all for believing in us, thank you all for continuing on expressing the love and trust in the services we open our hearts to offer,” he said.
His son, William “Bill” said, “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant,” quoting Matthew 20:26, as he promised his dedication and service to the people.
“We would like to thank all the participants of the 2022 Elections, for casting your vote and choosing our leaders as you best see fit. It is an honor and a privilege to be of your service,” he said.
“My father always told me, ‘I’m not perfect, but I offer my life to serve the people.’ These leaders, are humble shepherds of the community built on stewardship and dedicated to amplifying the voices of their people. Thank you.”
Vice Mayor-elect and lawyer Francisco N. Mamba, who just finished his three terms as mayor, expressed appreciation to those who continuously believe in their family’s leadership.
Likewise, lawyer Mabel Villarica-Mamba, wife of Governor Mamba, conveyed her thankfulness to those who believed and supported her family.
She eyes measures that should advanced the welfare of the 3rd legislative district of the province.
Francisco “Franco” Mamba III, a neophyte candidate for vice governor, placed third place to re-elected Vice Governor Melvin Vargas, now on his last term. Other contenders were Board Member Jean Alphonse Ponce “Aj “ Ponce and Board Member Perla Tumaliuan.
Vargas gathered 197,611 votes over Ponce (187,191), Mamba (141,761) and Tumaliuan (38,935).
Franco Mamba III also expressed gratitude to his fellow Cagayanos. “Thank you for being one with our cause and believing in our vision.”
“It is incredibly encouraging to know that 141,000 plus Cagayanos supported a new candidate who did not spend for or buy a single vote and want true change through reforms in our province.”
“We were exemplars of what is best for our province on good governance. We all perform, we did what is right, being honest, 24/7 service to our people, and made ourselves accessible to anyone not only as we managed the pandemic, mitigate the effects of recent calamities,” Governor Mamba added.
The governor is hopeful that rampant vote buying will not be repeated in the next elections, “since it will be Cagayanos who will suffer the consequences.”
It is expected that the Cagayan Development Agenda (CAGANDA 2025) “Pabaruen Ti Cagayan” will further boost the economy of the province with the upcoming establishment of a seaport, a gateway to the international market, and a transit system for neighboring countries in Southeast Asia.
Governor Mamba also eyes the establishment of a new international airport: the world’s access to the North Luzon economic giant within the Tuao-Piat-Solana area.
The Mamba siblings are known as staunch advocates against corruption. “Again, Tatak Mamba and Serbiyong Mamba for good governance paved the way for a new horizon,” the governor said.