Cagayan Vice Governor Manuel Mamba on Monday said his office has yet to receive an official copy of a Regional Trial Court order placing him under a 90-day preventive suspension in connection with a pending graft case.

In a statement, Mamba's office said that as of 3 August, it had not been formally served a copy of the 28 July 2026 order issued by Branch 17 of the Regional Trial Court in Batac City, Ilocos Norte. It maintained that Mamba remains the province's vice governor pending official receipt of the court order.

The court granted the prosecution's motion to suspend Mamba pendente lite, or while the case is pending, and denied his motion to quash the information. It also ordered his preventive suspension from public office for 90 days.

The case involves an alleged violation of Section 3(f) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, according to the court order. The court had earlier found probable cause and issued a warrant for Mamba's arrest. Court records showed he posted a cash bond on March 30, 2026, securing his temporary liberty.

The prosecution argued that Mamba's preventive suspension is mandatory under Section 13 of RA 3019 after the court found the information valid and sufficient and issued a warrant of arrest. It said the suspension was necessary to prevent possible intimidation of witnesses and to safeguard records from possible tampering.

Mamba said he would avail himself of all legal remedies once his office receives the official copy of the order.

His office said the case stemmed from a complaint filed by JLL Pulsar Construction, a company owned by the family of Cagayan Third District Rep. Jojo Lara, over policies implemented during Mamba's tenure as governor.

According to Mamba, his administration required contractors whose projects were found by the provincial inspectorate team to be allegedly substandard to personally receive payment checks from the governor's office before the checks were released. He said the policy was intended to ensure accountability and protect public funds, adding that no government funds were lost.

Mamba also reiterated his respect for the judicial process, saying he would pursue all available legal remedies while maintaining that his actions were consistent with his advocacy for good governance.

His office thanked his supporters and said he remains committed to serving the people of Cagayan.