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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Rex Gatchalian to critics: 'I will prove myself'

Rex Gatchalian to critics: 'I will prove myself'

Published Feb 1, 2023 01:10 pm

Newly appointed Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian asked critics to give him a chance and that he will prove himself deserving as head of the department.

Valenzuela City 1st district Rep. Rex Gatchalian (Facebook)

"Natapos ako bilang nine years na mayor and palagay ko 'yung natapos ako ng nine years I have probably shown na maski papaano ay mayroon tayong naiambag sa lipunan ng Valenzuela (I was a mayor for nine years and I think that I have proably shown that somehow we have contributed to the society of Valenzuela).

"So ako ang hihingin ko lang sa nanonood at tumitingin at nag o-observe, bigyan n'yo ko ng chance at papatunayan ko ang sarili ko (So I am asking those watching, looking, and observing to give me a chance and I will prove myself)," Gatchalian said in an ABS CBN Teleradyo interview on Wednesday, Feb. 1.

His appointment ignited criticism as he was a vocal supporter of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. during the campaign period.

He noted that it might be the merit of his credentials and experience as a local chief executive that convinced Marcos to choose him as the new DSWD chief.

READ: Marcos appoints Rex Gatchalian as DSWD chief

Gatchalian said that he did not apply for the position, but there were "well-meaning" people who asked permission to include his name on the list for consideration.

They were colleagues whom he closely worked with during his term as mayor and congressman in Valenzuela City, Gatchalian added.

"They were saying na feeling kasi nila 'yung skill set natin, sa kanilang opinyon, ay makakatulong sa pangulo at pagpapatakbo ng bansa (They were saying that they feel that our skill set, in their opinion, will help the President and on running the country)," he said.

Gatchalian also assured that it is "business as usual" in Valenzuela City and that Congress will designate a caretaker for his vacated position as soon as possible.

"Hindi ako mawawala, ngayon, maninilbihan lang tayo sa mas malaking oportunidad at kasama ang Valenzuela sa pagsisilbihan natin (I will not be gone, we will only serve in a bigger opportunity and Valenzuela is included in those which will be served)," he added.

He also expressed gratitude to the President for giving him the chance to serve in a larger capacity and is looking forward to executing the good practices they have done in Valenzuela city to the country.

Related Tags

Department of Social Welfare and Development Rex Gatchalian DSWD Secretary DSWD
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