SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez welcomed on Thursday the voluntary surrender of Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba to the House of Representatives following his citation for contempt.
This significant development comes just a week after a joint House panel cited Mamba for contempt, owing to his repeated non-attendance at an inquiry of the House Committees on Public Accounts and on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms concerning the alleged illegal expenditures of the provincial government during the 2022 campaign period.
“Governor Mamba’s choice to voluntarily surrender is a commendable stride in safeguarding the integrity of our democratic institutions. It signifies his readiness to collaborate with the House’s proceedings and underscores a steadfast commitment to the fundamental principles of accountability and transparency that form the cornerstone of our democracy,” Romualdez, the leader of the 311-strong legislative chamber, said.
Romualdez assured that every measure will be taken to ensure Mamba’s well-being and his legal rights will be safeguarded while he is in House custody.
“The House of Representatives is fully committed to adhering to all established legal procedures and safeguards throughout this process, ensuring fairness and due process,” Speaker Romualdez stressed.
During a joint hearing held on August 17, members of the two committees took the decision to cite Mamba for contempt.
Aside from Mamba, Cagayan Provincial Information Officer Rogelio Sending was also cited for contempt. Unlike Mamba, Sending was present at the hearing but was likewise ordered to be detained.
