Acosta defeats Paras in Bukidnon

BUKIDNON, Philippines  â€“ Malou Acosta made history in the province after defeating incumbent Rep. Jesus Paras, a veteran politician and a giant in Bukidnon politics, in the congressional race here.

Acosta, younger sister of Laguna Lake Development Authority general manager and Secretary for Environmental Protection Nereus Acosta, got 50,163 votes, with an 11,000 vote lead over Paras.

In a statement, Acosta thanked those who supported her candidacy and also Paras who conceded early.

As Bukidnon congresswoman, Acosta plans to give priority to the environment, youth and women.