Speaker Martin Romualdez (4th from left) administers the oath to former Pangasinan Rep. Ma. Georgina “Gina” De Venecia (5th from left) as member of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) on Wednesday, Jan. 24.

Fifteen politicians from vote-rich Pangasinan led by former congresswoman Gina de Venecia have joined the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats' (Lakas-CMD) fold. 

House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Lakas-CMD president, administered the oath to former Rep. De Venecia and 15 others from Pangasinan’s 4th district during simple rites held Wednesday, Jan. 24 at the Social Hall in the House of Representatives. 

Ex-Rep. De Venecia is the wife of two-time former House Speaker and  co-chairperson emeritus of Lakas-CMD, Jose de Venecia Jr. 

She served as a member of the House of Representatives for the 4th district of Pangasinan from 2010 to 2016. 

“We are truly grateful to welcome all of you to our party, especially our beloved ‘Manay Gina’ as she is fondly called, who is not only a respected figure in her own right but also the spouse of our esteemed Co-chairman Emeritus,” Romualdez said.  

Accompanying former Rep. De Venecia during the oath-taking rites were her husband and their son, incumbent Pangasinan 4th district Rep. Christopher De Venecia. 

“We look forward to working closely with you as we continue to champion the values of integrity, service, and progress that Lakas-CMD holds dear and to support the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for socioeconomic transformation towards a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient society,” added Romualdez. 

The new party members from the Municipality of San Fabian include Mayor Marlyn Agbayani and Councilors Hercules Magliba, Errol Sison, Rolando Pedralvez, Marieta Cuaresma, Chelsea Narvasa, and Kimberly Bandarlipe 

San Jacinto Mayor Leo de Vera, Manaoag Mayor Jeremy Agerico Rosario, along with Winston Chutan, Eduardo Paraan, Nemo de Vera, Pedro Palaganas, Merlinda Tantay, Arnold Saragoza were also sworn in by Speaker Romualdez as new party members.  

The event was witnessed by House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City 2nd district Rep. Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, Agusan del Norte 1st district Rep. Jose “Joboy” Aquino, and  Pangasinan 5th district Rep. Ramon Guico, Jr.  as well as other stalwarts of the party.