Gatchalian To Critics: Give Me A Chance

Former Valenzuela City congressman Rexlon Gatchalian appealed to early critics of his appointment as Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) secretary to give him a chance to do his job.

In an interview with Teleradyo on Wednesday, Feb. 1, Gatchalian said in Filipino: “I am appealing to all critics and observers – give me a chance to perform. I will prove myself.”

Many were taken by surprise when President Marcos appointed the incumbent congressman as DSWD chief last Tuesday, Jan. 31, prompting comments that the Cabinet post given to him is a result of his politically and financially powerful family’s support during the presidential election.

Gatchalian is a son of businessman William Gatchalian, known before as the country’s “plastics king” and now a casino and hotel magnate. Their family controls the Waterfront property group behind the proposed Waterfront Premier Manila Bay island reclamation project.

The new DSWD chief’s elder brother is Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, while their younger sibling, Weslie, is the incumbent Valenzuela City mayor who had served three terms as congressman.

Amid their political clout, the newly appointed secretary proved to be a standout local chief executive, if not well-loved, in Valenzuela City where he completed three terms as mayor.

“Perhaps, the President saw the merits of my credentials and my experience as local chief executive and legislator,” Gatchalian said in Filipino.

On Wednesday, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte did not miss the chance to express support for him, stating how fortunate she was to have worked with Gatchalian in their capacities as mayors from 2019 to 2022.

“These covered the pandemic years. During this period, I witnessed then-mayor Gatchalian’s outstanding leadership skills, including his progressive views, decisiveness and hands-on style of governance,” Belmonte said.

“As a result, Valenzuela was among the cities with the best COVID response program. His commitment and dedication to public service as a mayor earned for Valenzuela City countless accolades and recognitions, including several coveted Galing Pook awards. I am confident he will do justice to his new role as our nation’s social welfare czar,” she added.

DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, also alternate spokesman for the department, said that Gatchalian’s appointment is a welcome development.

“The DSWD workforce commits to work with the newly appointed secretary in ensuring that the mandate of the department is carried out effectively, efficiently and economically,” Dumlao said in a statement.

“The DSWD community supports the President in appointing Secretary Gatchalian to lead the department in its pursuit of compassionate public service with respect for human dignity, integrity and service excellence,” it added.

Lawmakers all praises

Gatchalian’s colleagues in the House of Representatives were all praises over his appointment and reassured the public on Wednesday that he is certain to do an excellent job.

“The loss of Congress is the gain of the DSWD. We wish you the best of luck (Secretary) Rex. We know that you’re going to do a fantastic job. You’ve done so well in Valenzuela, we know your public service, your dedication, your diligence, your energy,” Speaker Martin Romualdez said.

The House leader said he has yet to “consult” Gatchalian’s party, the Nationalist People’s Coalition, about the vacancy in Valenzuela’s first district, although he gave assurance that a “caretaker” will take the place of Gatchalian.

Deputy Speaker Ralph Recto of Batangas and Reps. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. of Cavite, Joey Salceda of Albay and Paul Daza of Northern Samar were all praises for Gatchalian.

“He comes well-prepared for one of the toughest and thankless jobs in government. For one, he survived the stress test of being a big city mayor during the pandemic, a position which put him in close contact with the people and their problems,” said Recto.

Barzaga, chairman of the House committee on natural resources, said the President made a “great choice” in picking Gatchalian.

“His (Gatchalian’s) personal touch in attending to the needs of his constituents will be invaluable,” he said.

Salceda, too, had nothing but compliments for his colleague: “He is obsessed with results. He will get things done. When I was governor of Albay, Valenzuela was one of our toughest competitors for awards for good governance. Secretary Gatchalian has been one of the country’s most innovative mayors.”

“Valenzuela has pioneered several best practices that many of us in government look up to as examples to emulate in our own communities. These include Bahay Kalinga for elderly citizens and the Valenzuela Child Protection Center,” the Bicolano lawmaker said.

For his part, Daza said he is “overjoyed” upon hearing Gatchalian’s appointment to the DSWD.

“Rex is extremely qualified for the position,” said Daza. “He vastly improved the Health and Social Services in his constituency.”

Vacant House seats

Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is waiting for the “trigger document” from the House before organizing a special election for the congressional post vacated by Gatchalian in Valenzuela.

“This is the declaration of vacancy and call for special election by Congress,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia said in a statement, referring to the so-called trigger document needed from the House.

Garcia added that the House can also designate a caretaker for the vacant congressional seat.

In another development, Comelec spokesman Rex Laudiangco said they are all set for the special election in the Seventh District of Cavite for the replacement of Jesus Crispin Remulla who was appointed secretary of the Department of Justice.

On Wednesday, the Comelec conducted a voter information caravan in the municipality of Tanza with local Comelec officials of the seventh district of Cavite.

Laudiangco said similar activities will be held in Trece Martires, Amadeo and Indang in the second, third and fourth weeks of February, respectively.

“Based on security assessment and planning conferences held, the elections are expected to be generally peaceful and orderly,” he added.

Laudiangco said all 355,184 ballots have been printed and are in the custody of Comelec, while all vote-counting machines to be used were already subjected to Pre-election Logic and Accuracy Tests. The training of members of the electoral boards will be held soon. – With Delon Porcalla, Janvic Mateo, Robertzon Ramirez