Gatchalian eyes Senate seat in 2013

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines   — Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian said he is running for senator in the 2013 mid-term elections under the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) of former President Joseph Estrada.

Gatchalian, who was in Negros Occidental Wednesday as guest of the Himamaylan City fiesta, said that although it is not official yet, PMP’s senatorial lineup includes former senators Juan Miguel Zubiri and Ernesto Maceda, and Reps. Jack Enrile of Cagayan and JV Ejercito of San Juan City.

The PMP has merged also with the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP)— Laban of Vice President Jejomar Binay to form the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), which also came out with a list of its initial senatorial lineup that did not include Gatchalian yet.

Gatchalian, who was former congressman of the 1st District of Valenzuela, said his top priority if he wins as senator is education.

Among the bills and resolutions he authored during his congressional term were on the protection of migrant workers, the establishment of anti-illegal recruitment centers and of district drug rehabilitation centers, along with other developmental laws for the improvement of his home city.

Gatchalian also paid a courtesy call on Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. at the Governor’s Office Wednesday.  (FREEMAN)