Jamila Ruma, 21, won the mayoral race in Rizal, Cagayan, during the 2025 elections, becoming the youngest mayor in the Philippines.
She stepped into the race after her father, incumbent Mayor Joel Ruma, was shot dead on April 23 during a campaign event.
The killing occurred just two weeks before the May 13 polls. Jamila filed her candidacy as a substitute and continued her father’s campaign under the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).
The Commission on Elections confirmed her victory shortly after the polls closed.
Ruma received 6,298 votes, or 48.27% of the total counted in Rizal as of 8:51 p.m. Tuesday, with 29 out of 30 precincts reporting. She led by over 2,000 votes against her closest rival, Ralph Mamauag, who got 4,146 votes.
Jamila Ruma studied political science at the University of the Philippines.
Despite her age and sudden entry into politics, she campaigned on continuing her father’s development plans, improving local services, and ensuring peace and order in the violence-prone town.
Her father, Joel Ruma, was running for a third term when unidentified gunmen ambushed him and his team.
Authorities launched an investigation into the attack, but no suspects have been publicly identified.
Police presence increased across Rizal to prevent further incidents during the campaign period.
The killing underscored long-standing concerns over political violence in parts of Cagayan Valley.
Jamila’s win brought attention to both the risks faced by candidates and the role of youth in governance.
Local officials expressed support for the new mayor, urging unity and calling for justice for the slain official.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government also pledged to assist her in the transition.
As mayor, Jamila faces the task of restoring public trust, completing her father’s programs, and maintaining peace.
Her victory, though shadowed by tragedy, marked a turning point in Rizal’s political landscape.
Under Philippine law, a person must be at least 21 years old on election day to qualify as a candidate for municipal mayor.
Jamila Ruma did not have formal political experience before running for mayor. She entered politics following the assassination of her father, stepping in as a substitute candidate.
Yes, under Commission on Elections (Comelec) rules, substitution is allowed in cases of death, withdrawal, or disqualification of a candidate—provided the substitute belongs to and is nominated by the same party.
Keep Reading: Mayor Joel Ruma of Rizal, Cagayan Killed in Shooting During Public Rally
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