Rex Gatchalian gets 3rd term as Valenzuela mayor

Valenzuela Mayor Rexlon Gatchalian got 249,508 votes — or 96.69 percent of the total number of votes. That gives him a third term as chief executive of the city. (Photo from his Facebook account)

MANILA, Philippines — Mayor Rexlon Gatchalian earned a fresh mandate to lead Valenzuela City after a landslide victory on May 13 midterm polls.

The Valenzuela City Board of Canvassers proclaimed Gatchalian as the city mayor at 12:20 a.m. on Tuesday, after he garnered 249,508 votes — or 96.69 percent of the total number of votes.

This will be his third term as the chief executive of Valenzuela.

His opponents Bong Go and Bien Español trailed with 6,239 and 2,288 votes, respectively.

“This is the biggest mandate given to me. It’s overwhelming to see I have reached the 200,000 mark,” said Gatchalian in a phone interview.

The voter turnout in the northern Metro Manila city was 74.48 percent — or 281,574 of the total 378,013 registered voters.

The Nationalist People’s Coalition candidate said he would continue to focus on education during his third term. Gatchalian said that he would put a lot of time into building public libraries and continue different programs like reading and parenting camps.

He also aims to provide affordable healthcare to Valenzuela residents.

“Every single day counts. I will make sure promises are fulfilled,” he said

Gatchalian’s running mate, Lorie Natividad-Borja, earned 226,091 votes. Wes Gatchalian got 119,991 votes as Valenzuela 1st District representative. Both candidates ran unopposed.

Eric Martinez was successful in his reelection bid as 2nd District representative. He garnered 106,848 votes, while his challenger, Magi Gunigundo, got 37,935.

(Editor: Alexander T. Magno)