Gina de Venecia gives way to son for Congress

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines – Christopher “Toff”  de Venecia yesterday filed his certificate of candidacy, substituting for his mother, Rep. Gina de Venecia, as representative of Pangasinan’s fourth district in the 2016 elections.

Toff, son of former House speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., filed his candidacy after his mother withdrew her electoral bid at the Commission on Elections provincial office here.

Gina is in her second term.

The 28-year-old Toff, who is running under the administration’s Liberal Party, is an editor of Young Star, the Friday youth section of The Star where he also writes a regular column.

“The youth is vital to the community because like me, they are energetic, passionate, and full of ideas,” he said.

Gina said they decided it was the right time for Toff to enter the world of politics, noting he is willing and determined to help the people, especially the youth.

She and her husband are seeking the support of their constituents for their son in the next year’s elections. – With Jess Diaz