Cong Baby takes oath before kapitan
BAYAMBANG—Re-elected Third District Rep. Rose Marie “Baby” Arenas, a known philanthropist and socialite, opted to take her oath before the chairman of a remote barangay here where she got 94 percent of the total votes last May polls.
Following the example of simplicity and austere programs, Ms. Arenas with her daughter, former Rep. Ma. Rachel Arenas and some congressional staff, arrived in their usual casual wear on June 25, at the gymnasium of far-flung Barangay Managos.
Rep. Arenas, assisted by her daughter Rachel, takes her oath. (Punchphoto by Eva Visperas)
Barangay Chairman Onofre Manuel administered Ms. Arenas’ oath, witnessed by other barangay officials.
Ms. Arenas also expressed her gratitude to the neighbouring barangays: Warding, Ambayat 1st and Ambayat 2nd for the landslide votes she received in these areas.
Manuel said he bought a new barong for the “historic” event, which he calls “historic” while Arenas wore her usual white blouse, denim pants and flat closed shoes.
“This is a big honor not only to me but also to the entire Managos because our congresswoman chose to take her oath here,” Manuel said.
“What made the Arenases endeared to the people here is, despite what some critics say they are not Pangasinenses, they proved to have genuine hearts to respond to the needs of the people,” Manuel said.
One of the factors why Rep. Arenas won heavily in these places was the construction of San Vicente Bridge and the repair of the riprapping in the river banks to help prevent floods.
“Others only gave promises,” he added.
Ms. Arenas said it was her personal decision to take her oath in the barangay over suggestions that she takes the oath before the Chief Justice “because I can never forget in my entire life the landslide margin of votes, a history in my political career I got from the people here.”
Daughter Rachel said her mother won by a landslide margin totaling almost 150,000 against her two rivals who were both former congressmen.
“It only shows that when you are loved (by the people), there is forever,” she said. (Eva Visperas)
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