MALASIQUI–Denying recent reports that she is withdrawing from the congressional race in the third district, Rachel Arenas, daughter of philanthropist Rosemarie “Baby” Arenas, said she is bent on contending for the role as a House Representative.

“That is completely false. I am very much ready for the fight in all aspects,” said Arenas, a Harvard graduate, in a phone interview with The PUNCH.

She said there is nothing that could make her retreat from the third district congressional race in the May 14 elections.

A year ago, she has started going around in the district establishing networks and rapport among the people.

“I have long prepared for it. I have established good relationships with the people of the third district and I am very glad that they welcome me,” Arenas said.

Also, she said she is grateful that the mayors in the area have been very accommodating to her.

She has launched her project Rachel HELPs for Health, Education, Livelihood Programs.

Arenas, who also uses her mom’s nickname, Baby, a popular name in Pangasinan, registered in this town about two years ago.

Though not originally from here, her family bought a mango farm in barangay Nancapian many years ago.

A Lakas member, the young Baby said she is confident former President Fidel Ramos, a Pangasinense, whom she and her mom helped campaign vigorously in the 1992 presidential elections, will reciprocate their efforts.

“Sigurado kami nasusuportahan niya kami (We are sure he will support us),” said Arenas, who is also a member of Biskeg na Pangasinan, a party composed of influential Pangasinan leaders.

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Arenas is likely to be the only rose among the thorns in the third district congressional derby with possible opponents composed of graduating Bayambang town Mayor Leocadio de Vera Jr., Bureau of Customs officer lawyer Gallant Soriano of San Carlos City, GenerosoTulagan Jr., the son of outgoing congressman Generoso Tulagan, and retired General Reynaldo Velasco.

Meanwhile, De Vera, who has also been rumored to have withdrawn from the race, laughed off the reports saying, “Nag withdraw ng pera sa bangko, oo. Pero hindi sa laban sa kongreso (Withdrew money from the bank, yes. But not in the congressional race).”

Third district is composed of the vote rich towns of Bayambang, Malasiqui, and San Carlos City as well as Calasiao, Mapandan and Sta. Barbara.—EVA

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