DAGUPAN CITY – An official of Dagupan City said the ouster of Congressman Jose de Venecia, Jr. as speaker of the House of Representatives saddened many Pangasinenses, especially those in the fourth district of Pangasinan.

Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez, one of the closest allies here on the former Speaker, believes that De Venecia’s ouster was a big blow to the whole province of Pangasinan that benefited much from his caring hands.

She said the former Speaker was the one who was bringing home significant projects that were not only meant for his own district but the whole of Pangasinan.

“We owe it to him all these projects that we now see in Pangasinan, like roads, bridges, school buildings, municipal halls, gymnasiums, water systems and others,” Fernandez said.

However, the Pangasinan conceded they cannot do anything because they know too well that it is the majority of congressmen that chooses the Speaker, Fernandez said.

De Venecia held the position of Speaker from 1992 to 1998 and from 2001 to February 4, 2008 for an unprecedented five terms.

The vice mayor of Dagupan City also expressed confidence that the pet project of the congressman – the P1.2 billion Dawel-Lucao-Road, including a bridge component in the middle, will be completed though De Venecia is no longer the House Speaker.

The project is now about 95 per cent complete with its inauguration set sometime in March or early April this year.

Fernandez however expressed strong belief that there is still hope that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and de Venecia can still reconcile soon for the good of the country and people.