MEET THE NEW CONG. TOFF — In just two years as congressman of the Fourth District of Pangasinan, Rep. Christopher de Venecia has definitely transformed from lightweight to heavyweight politician in the mold of his famous parents, former five-time Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. and Cong. Gina de Venecia.

This we found out once more during his off-the-cuff talk to media men over lunch which he hosted on April 16 at the De Venecia residence in Bonuan Binloc, where he candidly admitted he already metamorphosed from someone who knew nobody to somebody who has developed a familiarity and kinship with the people in his district.

“There is so much pride now when I talk about the place where I serve, where I came from,” he said, with his supportive parents beside him in a round-table where his father and mother used to hold countless press conferences when they held the same post many years back.

He disarmed his parents when he said: “I am happy to brag that I have visited more places in my district than perhaps JdV did when he was still a congressman.”

JdV and Gina broke into impeded laughter but were all-praises for what their son has said.

Toff cited the bike trail he put up along the mountainous terrains of San Fabian, where the highest point can give one a vantage view of the Lingayen Gulf.

“I want to bring JdV there sometime in May. He may not ride a bike, but he can nevertheless board a bike’s sidecar,” he quipped.

On his role as congressman in the district where the De Venecias became key figures for many, many long years, Christopher said: “This is about continuing their legacy and about crafting a new one. That for me is exciting.”

For this, Jun Velasco of the Capitol Post rose and reacted: “It appears to me that you are more articulate than the real Speaker of the House.”

Hearing this, JdV merely chuckled.

“Of course, my dad is more articulate, that was why he was elected five times as Speaker,” retorted Toff.

Toff is currently the assistant majority floor leader at the House of Representatives whose duty is to shepherd all bills filed by all congressmen. All congressmen who filed bills go through him if they want their measures calendared.

On his own, he already authored and co-authored many bills and resolutions of national and local importance.  He said having his name in a landmark law passed by Congress is the biggest honor a legislator can have.

The younger De Venecia said that in the early part of his term, he routinely turned over to stakeholders the completed projects of his mother Gina whom he succeeded in the fourth district.

But he quickly added that under his watch, kapag nagkakaroon ka ng turnover of projects under his name, it exudes “a beautiful feeling”, especially after seeing that the farmers and fishermen profusely thank him for the benefits they derive.

He said he wants to walk to various farms to personally see the impact of government projects, recalling the farm equipment he turned over like tractors, irrigation pumps, and others, to farmers in Mangaldan, San Fabian, San Jacinto and Manaoag. With these equipment, the farmers are to put up demonstration farms in their towns.

With the House’s session now adjourned, Cong. Toff is virtually here and there in his district, talking to and attending to the needs of his constituents.

He admitted being almost in all the activities of the 2018 Bangus Festival which he said is his own way of showing solidarity with Mayor Belen Fernandez and the people of Dagupan City.

Toff did the same thing in Manaoag, Mangaldan, San Jacinto and San Fabian when these towns celebrated their respective fiestas.

“It is also a good way and time to note what things are lacking in these festivals, which I may augment in my own humble way, to make these more successful”, said Toff, who is a journalist by profession being a lifestyle editor of the Philippine Star and also an editor of the Chalk Magazine.

He confessed that passion and purpose can go together, saying his passion has always been in journalism and theater. And his purpose now is public service.

Toff said his passion and purpose are blending well as congressman of the fourth district of Pangasinan. He recalled that in his dialogue with his constituents, a forum that could normally last for 30 minutes is oftentimes extended for two hours because of the many questions he asks his constituents, using his talent in asking questions as a journalist.

The congressman confessed that he is fast learning the Pangasinan language, the lingua franca in the fourth district, but added that he must also learn Ilocano which is spoken in many parts of San Fabian and Manaoag towns. – Leonardo Micua

 

THOSE PESKY PHONE SALES CALLS—Have you been receiving phone calls almost daily from the same company offering a loan?

My mobile phone number seems to be a favorite of groups engaged in this business, legit or otherwise. There were times I repeatedly pleaded with them not to call my number again.

I had to block three mobile numbers whose owners kept on trying to make me take a loan offer. The callers sounded like they were in a call center.

They would greet their prospect, ask him or her if she is the one answering the call and yes, next is the sweet talk about their offer. They even try to impress you that the conversation is recorded na para bang sagutin mo sila at umayos ka.

For the many times they called my number, I learned to quickly interrupt the caller to end the conversation quickly, that I am not interested, or busy with work, driving, or all sorts of alibis just to make them feel they’re calling the wrong person, at a very wrong time.

But they are persistent. After several hours later, another seller would call me again. Not even blocking their numbers stops them. They use a landline number with an area code in Manila.

Kung di ka naman mapipika, ewan ko na lang.

Do telcos sell numbers of their subscribers to marketing groups whose business is to sell through mobile calls, like the nasty calls I get?

Saan nila nakukuha yung numero gaya ng sa akin?

I’m OK with text message with this same modus since I can choose to read it when I have the time or ignore it.

Pero itong tatawagan ka from an unknown number na aakalain mong baka kaibigan, kamag-anak o boss na may urgent message na dapat ay sagutin mo only to end up na false alarm pala, nakakainis ito.

Worse is, sinabi mo nang hindi ka interesado, yet they don’t give up. I don’t want to be rude, as much as possible, pero mukhang kailangan na.

Please, stop the calls, hindi na kayo nakatutuwa.— Eva Visperas

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