Jamila Ruma, 21, becomes Phl's youngest mayor after dad's tragic death

Jamila Ruma, the 21-year-old daughter of the late Mayor Atty. Joel A. Ruma, has been proclaimed the new mayor of Rizal town in Cagayan after winning the election as a substitute candidate for her slain father.

She was officially declared the winner by the Board of Canvassers on Tuesday, 13 May , becoming the youngest mayor-elect in the country.

Based on partial and unofficial data from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) media server, Ruma secured 6,298 votes — amounting to 96.67% of election returns as of 4:48 PM — defeating retired general Ralph Mamauag, who garnered 4,146 votes, and Florence Littaua with 175 votes.

In a Facebook post following her victory, Jamila expressed heartfelt gratitude to supporters who placed their trust in her despite the difficult circumstances of her candidacy. She vowed to honor her father’s legacy and continue the programs he had started.

"We made it, Daddy," she wrote in Malaweg, a local dialect spoken in Cagayan.

"I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported, trusted, and stood with Team RUMA in this fight. I am deeply moved by the love and support you have shown us—it is something we will never take for granted. It is only through God that we can continue doing what is right every single day," she said.

She also pledged to continue the SAPAT at TAPAT (Sufficient and Honest) brand of public service that her father had been known for, assuring constituents that Rizal town will remain her top priority.

"I promise to all of you that I will continue the good service that my father, Mayor Atty. Joel A. Ruma, started, and I will strive to live up to the trust that has been given to me. I will never abandon our beloved town of Rizal," she said.

"I hold on to my father's promise—to keep Rizal a happy and safe place, for the progress of every Rizaleño."

Jamila earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Development Studies from De La Salle University Manila. According to academic records, she was a consistent dean’s lister and received the Best Thesis and Best Thesis Presenter awards at graduation.

Her candidacy came in the wake of tragedy. Her father, Mayor Joel Ruma, was fatally shot by a sniper during a campaign sortie in Barangay Illuru Sur on 23 April, 2025.

Meanwhile, her mother, incumbent Vice Mayor Brenda Ruma, also secured a fresh mandate, winning her second term with 6,448 votes.