3-cornered fight looms in special Isabela poll

SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela — At least three politicians are being groomed by their supporters to run in the special election for the vacancy left by the Feb. 26 death of fourth district Rep. Antonio Abaya.

This, as the provincial board has endorsed the holding of the special poll. Being egged on to run are Santiago City Mayor Jose Miranda (PDP-Laban), former board member Giorgidi Aggabao (Lakas-NUCD) and Dr. Asuncion Abaya, the late solon’s wife.

So far, only Miranda has declared his intention to run, confident of the support of residents of this vote-rich city and mayors of at least three of the seven towns in the fourth district.

Supporters of Aggabao, whom Abaya defeated in the last elections, are confident that he would make it this time with the reported support of the Dy clan led by Gov. Faustino Dy Jr.

For their part, followers of the Abayas believe that Mrs. Abaya would be a "sentimental favorite." — Charlie Lagasca