Rizal, Cagayan — In a historic turn of events during the 2025 National and Local Elections, 21-year-old Jamila Ruma has been elected as the Mayor of Rizal, Cagayan, making her the youngest mayor in the Philippines to date.
Ruma, the eldest daughter of slain Mayor Joel Ruma, stepped in to run for office after her father was fatally shot during a campaign sortie on April 23. Her candidacy was filed on April 29, which would have been her father’s 55th birthday, under the substitution provision allowed by the Omnibus Election Code.
Supporters rallied behind the young Ruma, chanting “Ruma pa rin” as she emerged from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Rizal, clutching her Certificate of Candidacy (COC). The moment was captured in a video shared by the Cagayan Provincial Information Office, which has since circulated widely on social media.
Jamila ran under the same political party as her father and was joined on the ballot by her mother, Brenda Ruma, who sought reelection as vice mayor. Their tandem drew strong support from voters still mourning the loss of the elder Ruma, a well-respected figure in local politics.
Under Section 77 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 881, or the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines, candidates may be substituted in the event of death, disqualification, or withdrawal—paving the way for Jamila’s last-minute bid.
Ruma’s election is seen by many as both a tribute to her father’s legacy and a symbol of youth empowerment in politics. Her victory has been widely praised by local leaders and community members, who hope her leadership will bring continuity and fresh energy to Rizal’s local governance.
