Dr. Katherine Martinez (center) files her COC. To her left is her husband Valenzuela City 2nd district Rep. Eric Martinez (Rep. Martinez's office)

Valenzuela City 2nd district Rep. Eric Martinez said Monday, Oct. 7 that local residents look at the "politics of performance" when it comes to casting their votes in the May 2025 mid-term elections. 

Rep. Martinez, a former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, said this meant taking into good consideration the strong track record of a candidate. 

He noted that under his tenure as Valenzuela congressman, the city earned the title of being the “Basketball Capital of the Philippines" after he helped establish world-class sports facilities such NBA-inspired and PBA-themed basketball courts. 

These include the famous "House of Kobe" that featured the late LA Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant’s memorabilia¡ as well as the Ginebra Never Say Die (NSD) multi-purpose building in Paso de Blas. 

Rep. Martinez wasn't all about sports as he also pursued the passage of House Bill (HB) No.7327, now Republic Act (RA) No.11327, or the act increasing the bed capacity of Valenzuela Medical Center from 200 to 500 beds. 

Seeking to succeed Rep. Martinez in the House is his wife, Dr. Katherine Martinez. A National Unity Party (NUP) stalwart, she is running under the ticket of incumbent Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian's The Red Team of Valenzuela City--Tuloy ang Progreso Team, 

Dr. Martinez has long been the strong supporting force behind Rep. Martinez's successful public initiatives. The latter is now on his third and final term in Congress. 

Rex Gatchalian speaks

Former Valenzuela City Mayor and incumbent Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, one of the sponsors of The Red Team, endorsed Dr. Martinez's candidacy.  

"I have known Cong. Eric and Dra. Katherine Martinez for years. We have worked closely together to push for programs for the City of Valenzuela. Dra. Kath knows how to take care of people. She is genuine and kind. I will always root for her success," Gatchalian said. 

The Red Team of Valenzuela City is also backed by another former mayor, incumbent Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.