Aggabao wins Isabela’s 4th district poll

ILAGAN, Isabela — The district board of canvassers formally proclaimed lawyer Giorgidi Aggabao of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) yesterday as the winner in the May 12 special elections in the province’s fourth congressional district.

Vying for the congressional seat for the second time, Aggabao, former senior provincial board member, won over Dr. Asuncion Abaya (Lakas-NUCD), widow of the late Rep. Antonio Abaya whom he will succeed as fourth district congressman.

In the 2001 elections, Aggabao lost to the late Rep. Abaya, who succumbed to cancer last Feb. 26.

Based on the official tally, Aggabao garnered a total of 53,439 votes as against Mrs. Abaya’s 41,974.

Supported by Gov. Faustino Dy Jr. and the mayors of seven towns in the fourth district, Aggabao topped the poll in the municipalities of San Isidro, San Agustin, Ramon, Cordon and Echague.

For her part, Mrs. Abaya, supported by Santiago City Mayor Jose Miranda, prevailed in Santiago City and Dinapigue and Jones towns.

Aggabao, a Bar topnotcher and successful law practitioner in Manila, would complete Rep. Abaya’s unexpired term. – Lito Salatan, Charlie Lagasca