Jamila Ruma Becomes Mayor After Father’s Death
JAMILA RUMA – A 21-year-old graduate of Development Studies from De La Salle University-Manila, has been officially proclaimed the new mayor of Rizal, Cagayan. She made history by becoming the youngest mayor in the Philippines after winning the recent local elections with a total of 5,134 votes, defeating her opponents Ralph Mamauag (3,661 votes) and Florence Littaua (170 votes).
Jamila stepped in as a substitute candidate following the tragic death of her father, Mayor Atty. Joel Ruma, who was assassinated during a campaign event in Barangay Illuru Sur on April 23, 2025. Despite the circumstances, she continued her father’s candidacy with strength and determination, gaining strong support from the community.
In a heartfelt post on Facebook, Jamila expressed deep gratitude to everyone who stood by her during the most difficult time of her life. She described her electoral victory as a “bittersweet triumph,” dedicating it to her late father. “We made it, Daddy!” she wrote. She promised to uphold her father’s legacy and continue the honest and sufficient service he started for the town of Rizal.
Jamila also pledged to maintain peace, happiness, and safety in the municipality to help every resident prosper. She emphasized that she would carry on her father’s promise to keep the community secure and progressive.
Her mother, Brenda Ruma, also succeeded in her re-election bid and remains the town’s vice mayor, making the mother-and-daughter tandem a rare and inspiring political team in the country.
According to the law, anyone running for mayor must be at least 21 years old on the day of the election, a registered voter in the municipality, and a resident for at least one year before the polls. Substitution of candidates, as in Jamila’s case, is allowed under COMELEC guidelines if the original candidate dies, withdraws, or is disqualified—provided all requirements are strictly followed.