JDV forges win-win formula with Pangasinan rivals

DAGUPAN CITY – Former Speaker Jose de Venecia, showing his vaunted peace-making skills, last week secured a win-win formula with his two worthy rivals, paving the way for his unopposed candidacy in the fourth congressional district of Pangasinan in the May 14 elections.

Incumbent Rep . Benjamin Lim withdrew last week his bid for re-election and instead will run for mayor of Dagupan City, leading the Lakas-NUCD’s unified ticket.

Lim later told his supporters, "We have to set aside our personal and parochial concerns for the sake of the greater good."

In a statement, Lim endorsed De Venecia’s candidacy in the fourth district "to enable him and the other national leaders to mobilize both houses of Congress as full partners of President Arroyo in rebuilding the battered nation, especially the economy."

Three-time Dagupan City Mayor Al Fernandez endorsed Lim for mayor, calling him a worthy successor "not only as an aggressive corporate manager but also as a respected political leader."

De Venecia, hot on the comeback trail, said he showed "humility" throughout his talks with Lim and Fernandez, the success of which the two-time Speaker ascribed to this "creative strategy" following weeks of political uncertainty.

De Venecia, the Lakas-NUCD national chairman, declared his "fullest support" for Lim, calling him "our best possible choice for mayor of Dagupan City" and asking his supporters to rally behind the youthful leader.

De Venecia confirmed that he and the party’s main leaders – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Vice President Teofisto Guingona and former President Fidel Ramos – had appealed for Lim to make a "major sacrifice" and lead the unity ticket in Dagupan City.

"That he has positively responded to our collective appeal speaks well of his high sense of sacrifice and commitment to the party, the nation, and the people," he said.