Four female lawmakers make it in Nueva Ecija

CABANATUAN CITY—Reeling from low crop prices, Nueva Ecija voted for four women who promised to improve agricultural policies and reform public health and transport in the 18th Congress.

Most of the province’s female lawmakers were reelected for their second terms in Monday’s polls: Estrellita Suansing of the first district; Micaela Violago, second district; and Rosanna Vergara, third district. Maricel Nagaño, a medical doctor, defeated incumbent Rep. Magnolia Antonino of the fourth district.

Suansing bested actor Rommel Padilla, despite the campaign support provided by his son, teen actor Daniel Padilla, and former partner Carla Estrada.

Violago ran and won against her brother-in-law Lito Violago, while Vergara defeated outgoing Nueva Ecija Gov. Czarina Umali.

Vergara said she would make sure the P10-billion support fund for farmers as stipulated in the rice tariffication law (Republic Act No. 11203) is delivered properly.

The law lifted all restrictions on rice importation in exchange for taxes on foreign grain. But the increase in imports has reduced the prices of grains produced by local farmers.

During the 17th Congress, Vergara objected when fellow lawmakers proposed a P1-budget for the Commission on Human Rights, opposed the revival of the death penalty and the proposed lowering of the age of criminal liability for children and juveniles.

Also elected were Mayor Adrianne Mae Cuevas of Palayan City and Myca Vergara of Cabanatuan City.

Two of 10 members of the provincial board are women: reelectionist Tess Patiag and newly-elected member Joy Pascual, both from the fourth district. —ARMAND GALANG