THE ranks of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats continue to swell after local officials and political leaders from the 4th District of Pangasinan took their oath as new members of the party Wednesday afternoon.
Headlining the newest Lakas-CMD addition, the biggest party in the House of Representatives, is former Rep. Ma. Georgina “Gina” De Venecia, wife of five-time House Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr. and co-chairperson emeritus of Lakas.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, who is Lakas-CMD party president, administered the oath to former Rep. De Venecia and 15 others from Pangasinan during simple rites held at the Social Hall of the Speaker’s Office in the House of Representatives.
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 Mrs. De Venecia during the oath-taking rites were her husband, former Speaker De Venecia 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,” he added.
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
In addition, San Jacinto Mayor Leo de Vera, Manaoag Mayor Jeremy Agerico Rosario, along with Winston L. Chutan, Eduardo E. Paraan, Nemo S. de Vera, Pedro F. Palaganas, Merlinda M. Tantay, Arnold L. Saragoza were sworn in by Romualdez as new party members.
The event was witnessed by House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City 2nd District Rep. Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe, Agusan Del Norte 1st District Rep. Jose “Joboy” Aquino and Rep. Ramon Guico, Jr. as well as other stalwarts of the party.
