By Junex Doronio
DESPITE THE CONSTITUTIONAL BAN ON POLITICAL DYNASTIES, another political dynasty is shaping up if and when Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian runs for senator in 2025 and wins as the latest survey might encourage him to do so.
According to a survey by the RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD), Gatchalian earned a high public approval rating of 84% along with a trust rating of 88%.
If Rex runs for senator in 2025 and wins, he will then be joining his brother Win Gatchalian and join in the league of other senator siblings like Sens. Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano, Jinggoy Estrada and JV Ejercito, and mother-and-son Cynthia and Mark Villar.
“Thank you for recognizing Team DSWD’s contributions and efforts to improve and innovate the delivery of social protection services and programs to the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable Filipinos,” Gatchalian said in his Facebook post.
This possibility of Rex Gatchalian running for senator in 2025 loomed following a recent survey that showed that the social welfare chief is the second top-performing Cabinet member of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Gatchalian was second to Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos who is also believed to be eyeing a Senate seat.
With this development, Gatchalian expressed gratitude for the team DSWD’s public approval and trust, citing efforts to deliver services to the poor and marginalized.
(ai/mnm)