5 incumbent lawmakers win big in Pangasinan; De Venecia returns to Congress

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Reelectionist Pangasinan fourth district Rep. Gina de Venecia, 76, avails of the early voting hours, while his son, incumbent Rep. Christopher de Venecia joins the queue of regular voters at Barangay Bolasi San Fabian, Pangasinan on Monday (May 12, 2025). Gina said she was able to cast her vote within five minutes as the process was orderly and swift. | PHOTO: Philippine News Agency (Hilda Austria, Eva Visperas)

DAGUPAN CITY — Five incumbent congressmen in Pangasinan—Arthur Celeste (1st District), Mark Cojuangco (2nd District), Rachel Arenas (3rd District), Ramon Guico Jr. (5th District), and Marlyn Agabas (6th District)—secured fresh mandates in the May 12 elections.

In the 4th District, former Rep. Gina de Venecia reclaimed the seat soon to be vacated by her son, Rep. Christopher de Venecia, who is completing his third and final term.

In Dagupan City, incumbent Mayor Belen Fernandez and her cousin, Vice Mayor Bryan Fernandez, both clinched reelection victories and were officially proclaimed by the Commission on Elections. Nine candidates from their councilor slate also secured seats on the city council.

Only one opposition candidate, Librada Fe “Dada” Reyna, won a councilor seat, breaking the sweep.

Former Mayor Brian Lim, who ran for vice mayor under the Team LiFe slate led by his mother, Celia Lim, conceded defeat and thanked his supporters.

“Let’s continue the fight for the betterment of our beloved city of Dagupan. May God bless us all,” he said in a social media post.

In Urdaneta City, Maan Guico, wife of Pangasinan Gov. Ramon “MonMon” Guico III, also conceded after losing her mayoral bid to incumbent Mayor Julio Parayno III. In a social media post, she expressed gratitude to her supporters, volunteers, and her team, Urdaneta Ang Galing.

“Thank you for your support, trust, and love. Though we did not win, I will continue to serve with heart as the mother of Pangasinan,” she wrote.

Elsewhere in the province, San Carlos City Mayor Julier Resuello and Alaminos City Mayor Bryan Celeste were both reelected to their posts.

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