De Venecia files candidacy, seeks third term in Lower House


Reelectionist Pangasinan Fourth District Rep. Christopher de Venecia filed his certificate of candidacy for a third term of office as Congressman today, October 1, before the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in Pangasinan.

“I am seeking reelection for a third term to sustain and continue our platforms and programs for my district, and for the whole country in general,” said De Venecia, the son of former five-time Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. and former Congresswoman Gina de Venecia, who is running under the banner of Lakas-CMD (Christian Muslim Democrats).

De Venecia said that with the COVID-19 pandemic still lingering on, he will continue to do everything in his capacity as congressman to provide support, assistance and opportunities “that will ease the burden brought about by the crisis.” “If reelected for a third consecutive term, I will continue to craft innovative ways to lift our country out of the current economic crisis, as well as to resolve other pressing issues. I will also stay committed to the principles of consultative and participative leadership in encouraging our constituents to play an active role in planning and implementing priority projects that will benefit the welfare of all concerned,” De Venecia added.

Serving in Congress for two consecutive terms, De Venecia believes he has done his best in addressing the concerns of the fourth district of Pangasinan in the Lower House through bills and resolutions that he authored and co-authored.

Some of these bills had been signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte, while others had been approved for third and final reading, and the rest are still being discussed in various committee hearings.

While assuring that he will push for other measures that he sponsored in the remaining months of the 18th Congress, De Venecia vowed that he will continue to pursue his pet bill, the Philippine Creative Industries Development Bill, which has been approved on third and final reading in the Lower House.

This measure, De Venecia explained, is envisioned to create more livelihood opportunities in the creative field within his district and local communities across the country.

“Together, I believe that the Philippines will be the number one creative economy in the whole of ASEAN by the year 2030,” the Pangasinan solon said.

He also added that his other bill, House Bill 9575 or the Young Farmers and Fisherfolk Challenge Bill, has been approved by the House.

Formerly known as the Magna Carta of Young Farmers and Fisherfolk, the said measure aims to create programs that will empower young Filipino farmers and fisherfolk to become partners of the State for food security, agricultural development and modernization. (Melvin Sarangay)