By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Isabela Mayor Joselito Malabor, who narrowly lost to challenger Dr. Irene Consunji Montilla in his reelection bid, called the results “questionable” and is seeking a manual recount.

According to the most recent returns, the incumbent lost by 13,892 votes to 13,844, a difference of 48 votes.

Malabor said he plans to file a petition before the La Carlota City Regional Trial Court next week.

The incumbent assumed the seat after his predecessor, Enrique Montilla III, Consunji Montilla’s husband, passed away in 2017./DGB, WDJ