3 Gatchalian brothers eyeing Valenzuela posts

Defying talk that they are creating a political dynasty, Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian is running for re-election while his two younger brothers are making a bid to represent two of the city’s districts in Congress.

"Political dynasty is not an issue here in Valenzuela," Evelyn Hernandez, Gatchalian’s political affairs chief, told The STAR in a telephone interview.

She said during the last election, voters never questioned a couple who ran for local elective posts. Jose Manuel Carlos made a successful bid to represent the city’s first district when he was on his third and last term as mayor. His wife, Rita, ran for the mayoralty post but lost to Gatchalian.

"Valenzuela residents are just after those who could serve them best and the Gatchalians have already served and are still willing to serve them more," Hernandez said.

She said the Gatchalian brothers – all degree holders and educated abroad – are banking on their track record of "all-out service" to Valenzuela City residents.

On the other hand, Carlos’ chief of staff, Baby Herrera, said the congressman will challenge Gatchalian in the mayoralty race.

Herrera said Councilor Eddie Lozada will go against Rex Gatchalian, 27, to represent Valenzuela’s first district in Congress, while Wesley Gatchalian, 26, will have former congressman Magtanggol Gunigundo Jr. as his opponent in the second district.

Wesley is the political neophyte among the three brothers. Rex ran for first district representative during the 2004 elections but lost to Carlos.

Gunigundo had served for two terms as second district representative. He then ran and lost to Gatchalian in the 2004 mayoralty race.

Carlos will run under the banner of Lakas while the Gatchalians are under the Nationalist People’s Coalition.