MANILA, Philippines: Former Pangasinan fourth district representative Ma. Georgina "Gina" de Venecia and 15 others from the same district took their oath Wednesday afternoon as new members of the political party Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD).

Speaker and Lakas-CMD President Ferdinand Martin Romualdez administered the oath to de Venecia, wife of Lakas-CMD Co-Chairman Emeritus and former speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., and 15 others at the Social Hall of the Speaker's Office in the House of Representatives.

"We are truly grateful to welcome all of you to our party, especially our beloved 'Manay Gina' as she is fondly called, who is not only a respected figure in her own right but also the spouse of our esteemed Co-chairman Emeritus," Romualdez said, according to a statement from his office on Thursday.

"We look forward to working closely with you as we continue to champion the values of integrity, service, and progress that Lakas-CMD holds dear and to support the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for socioeconomic transformation towards a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient society," Romualdez added.

Gina de Venecia was accompanied by de Venecia Jr. and their son, Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Christopher de Venecia, during the oath-taking.

The new members are San Fabian Mayor Marlyn Agbayani and Councilors Hercules Magliba, Errol Sison, Rolando Pedralvez, Marieta Cuaresma, Chelsea Narvasa, and Kimberly Bandarlipe; San Jacinto Mayor Leo de Vera; Manaoag Mayor Jeremy Agerico Rosario; Winston Chutan; Eduardo Paraan; Nemo de Vera; Pedro Palaganas; Merlinda Tantay; and Arnold Saragoza.