Gatchalian scion leads in Valenzuela

Sherwin Gatchalian (NPC), son of business tycoon William Catchalian, is leading over former Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) chairman Magtanggol Gunigundo Sr. (PPC-Lakas-NUCD) in the congressional race in the First District of Valenzuela City.

Based on the partial, unofficial tabulation of the National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) in Valenzuela, from a total of 110 precincts as of 11:20 a.m. yesterday, Gatchalian had 1,547 votes compared to Gunigundo’s 751. Former city councilor Antonio Dalag (PPC-Lakas-KAMPI) received 757 votes.

Gatchalian, 27, has the chance to be the youngest representative of the 12th Congress. However, a case questioning Gatchalian’s citizenship is still pending before the Commission Elections (Comelec).

Meanwhile, in the city’s Second District, Gunigundo’s son, incumbent representative and Magtanggol "Magi" Gunigundo Jr. is pulling away with 4,439 votes compared to former Valenzuela Representative Antonio Serapio’s (NPC) 2,654 votes, according to Namfrel.

Valenzuela has a total of 229,212 registered voters and 1,189 polling precincts.

In Malabon City, re-electonists Representative Ricky Sandoval, is leading over Rissa Aquino-Oreta, daughter of Sen. Tessie Aquino-Oreta, by over 1,000 votes, according to the Namfrel in the city. – Nikko Dizon