A regional trial court has ordered a 90-day preventive suspension for Cagayan Vice Governor Manuel Mamba in connection with an alleged violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, according to court documents.

In a five-page order dated 28 July, Presiding Judge Felix G. Salvador of Regional Trial Court Branch 17 in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, granted the prosecution’s motion to suspend Mamba while his trial proceeds for an alleged violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019.

“The accused is hereby preventively suspended from holding public office for a period of 90 days,” the court ruled.

The court also denied Mamba’s motion to quash the information against him and rejected his opposition to the prosecution’s motion.

Court records show the trial court found probable cause to hold Mamba for trial on 26 March after reviewing the information and supporting documents, subsequently issuing a warrant for his arrest.

Mamba posted a cash bond on 30 March before the 7th Municipal Circuit Trial Court in Piat-Sto. Niño, Cagayan, where he serves as vice governor.

The prosecution filed its motion for preventive suspension on 21 April, arguing that suspension is mandatory under Section 13 of Republic Act 3019 once a valid information is filed, probable cause is established, and an arrest warrant is issued.

Prosecutors cited the suspension was required to prevent potential witness intimidation and safeguard evidence from tampering.

Mamba sought to dismiss the case by challenging the validity of the information, but the court ruled his arguments failed to justify quashing the charge.

Judge Salvador signed the order on 28 July, enforcing the mandatory 90-day suspension while criminal proceedings continue.