'Manay Gina' succeeds in congressional bid

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan , Philippines  – Ma. Georgina “Manay Gina” de Venecia made history as the first elected congresswoman of Pangasinan’s fourth district following her proclamation Wednesday night.

De Venecia, wife of five-time Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., had an overwhelming lead over her rival, Celia Lim, wife of newly elected Dagupan City mayor Benjamin Lim, who was also proclaimed Wednesday night.

De Venecia was the first congressional bet proclaimed winner by the provincial board of canvassers, as uncanvassed election returns from San Fabian town would not affect her lead.

She got 104,997 votes over Celia Lim’s 54,382 votes. San Fabian has 42,586 registered voters.

Meanwhile, the former speaker has apparently accepted the loss of his son and namesake Jose de Venecia III in the senatorial race, saying, “That is fate, that is destiny, we have to bow to the will of destiny.”

“But my son put up a good fight,” he added.

Dagupan City Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez was re-elected, getting 80 percent of the votes. She was the running mate of Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr. who failed in his re-election bid.