MANILA, Philippines – Weslie Gatchalian is poised to enter his second term as he won his reelection bid for Valenzuela mayor on Monday, May 12.
He won 270,680 votes as of 12:12 am based on partial, unofficial result from the Comelec Media Server, continuing the Gatchalian clan’s grip over Valenzuela City.
Before Gatchalian’s stint in city hall, his brothers Sherwin and Rex had served as mayors, each with three terms (Sherwin served from 2004-2013; Rex served from 2013-2022). Sherwin has gone on to become a senator, while Rex is President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s social welfare secretary.
Another Gatchalian sibling, Kenneth, ran for the congressional seat in Valenzuela’s 1st District.
Valenzuela has been dubbed the “Plastic City” as many plastic manufacturers are based in the city.
The Gatchalian family was once in the plastic business, operating a 60-hectare plastic manufacturing hub in Valenzuela. It has since closed down. – Rappler.com