THE hotly contested local elections in Isabela town, Negros Occidental is affecting basic services to its residents, its top official said.

Mayor Irene Montilla said many of her requests are still pending approval by the Sangguniang Bayan, including payables and augmentation for fuel and Annual Investment Plans, among others.

Vice Mayor Renato Malabor Jr., who is challenging Montilla in next year’s election, and his allies in the municipal council, earlier sought the list of job-order employees of the town.

They are also asking for their contracts prior to the approval of a supplemental budget that includes the amount for salaries of hired workers.

The 447 job-order casuals of Isabela Municipal Government have already been paid their salaries covering the period from October 16 to November 30, 2021.

Montilla said they have asked for augmentation of funds for payment of their fuel and other payables.

"We don't have funds for fuel,” she said, adding that “we also have payables that have not been addressed.”