5 incumbent congress reps returning to House
FIVE of the six incumbent representatives of Pangasinan were reelected in the May 12 midterm elections, while Fourth District Rep. Christopher de Venecia, who is stepping down after completing his third and final term, will be replaced by his mother, Gina de Venecia.
In the First District, Rep. Arthur Celeste ran unopposed and secured a total of 187,173 votes.
It was a decisive victory in the Second District for Rep. Mark Cojuangco, who won a second term with 231,839 votes, defeating Lingayen Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil, who garnered 68,719 votes. Cojuangco, who earned 77% of the votes, said he was overwhelmed by the strong mandate.
In the Third District, Rep. Rachel Arenas won convincingly with 328,672 votes, defeating former congressman Generoso Tulagan, who received 24,573 votes, and George Absolor, who had 5,228 votes.
Arenas expressed her gratitude and faith, quoting her mother, former Deputy Speaker Rose Marie “Baby” Arenas: “If God is on our side, and by the grace of God and Our Lady of Manaoag and Mama Mary, that is really our shield. Prayers, hard work, commitment, dedication.”
The De Venecia matriarch, who held the Fourth District seat nine years ago, staged a successful comeback, earning 229,189 votes to defeat Alvin Fernandez, who had 41,239 votes.
“It’s truly heartwarming to feel the people’s acceptance — from all the municipalities and Dagupan City — and their eagerness to work with me again,” she said.
Fifth District Rep. Ramon Guico Jr. retained his seat with 187,934 votes, beating challenger Franco del Prado, who received 99,867 votes.
In the Sixth District, Rep. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas also secured reelection, returning to office with 168,185 votes, ahead of Gilbert Estrella, who garnered 117,045 votes. (Eva Visperas)
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