President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. has named Valenzuela City Representative Rex Gatchalian as the new Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
In a video shared by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Gatchalian is seen taking an oath before the President on Tuesday, January 31.
He was accompanied by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Interior Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr., and Special Assistant to President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. during the oath-taking ceremony.
Gatchalian, a former Valenzuela mayor, thanked the President for giving him the opportunity to head the social welfare department.
"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, adding that a caretaker for his district would be appointed soon.
"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.
Gatchalian replaced Erwin Tulfo, who left his post last December after his appointment was bypassed twice by the Commission on Appointments over his libel conviction and his acquisition of American citizenship.
Gatchalian, brother of Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian and Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie Gatchalian, supported Marcos and his running mate, Vice President Sara Duterte, in the 2022 elections.
