Isabela’s fourth district to elect new solon

SANTIAGO CITY — More than 150,000 registered voters in Isabela’s fourth congressional district are trooping to polling precincts tomorrow to elect their new representative in the House, left vacant with the death of Rep. Antonio Abaya last Feb. 26.

With a day before the special elections, the two protagonists — Dr. Asuncion Abaya, the late solon’s widow, and long-time senior board member Giorgidi Aggabao — were already claiming victory.

Mrs. Abaya, 66, of the Lakas-NUCD, hopes to succeed her husband with the support of Santiago City Mayor Jose Mi—randa, the only one of the district’s seven mayors backing her up.

"I’m confident we’ll win for us to continue my husband’s unfinished tasks," said Mrs. A—baya, a former director of the Southern Isabela General Hospital here.

Abaya, the "sentimental favorite," is banking on the support of Miranda, who withdrew from the race to back her up.

This city, conceded to be a Miranda-Abaya bailiwick, accounts for more than 60,000 votes, the biggest among the seven towns in the fourth district.

On the other hand, the politically powerful Dy clan, led by Gov. Faustino Dy Jr., predicted a victory for Aggabao, 55, who belongs to the Nationalist People’s Coalition. — Charlie Lagasca