Marcos appoints Rex Gatchalian as secretary of DSWD

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has appointed Valenzuela City Representative Rex Gatchalian as secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

According to the Presidential Communications Office, Gatchalian took his oath before the President today, January 31.

A former mayor of Valenzuela City, Gatchalian expressed gratitude to the President for giving him the opportunity to head the DSWD. 

"I just took my oath as head of DSWD. Mr. President, thank you for giving me the opportunity to be able to serve the country in a much larger capacity," he said.

A caretaker for his district would be appointed soon, according to the new DSWD chief, who is the brother of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.

"Please don't worry. Business as usual. A caretaker will be appointed by the House of Representatives in the coming days," Gatchalian said. 

"Valenzuelanos, the services of our Congress and district offices will not change. Tuloy tuloy po ang serbisyo," he added.

Under Republic Act 6645, the Commission on Elections is mandated to conduct a special election if a vacancy occurs in the Senate at least 18 months or in the House of Representatives at least one year before the next regular election for members of Congress. —NB/VBL, GMA Integrated News