Sherwin Gatchalian

In this Filipino name, the middle name or maternal family name is Ting and the surname or paternal family name is Gatchalian.

Sherwin Gatchalian
Gatchalian in 2021
34th President of the Senate of the Philippines
Incumbent
Assumed office
June 17, 2026[a]
Preceded byAlan Peter Cayetano
President pro tempore of the Senate of the Philippines
In office
June 3, 2026 – June 17, 2026
Preceded byLoren Legarda
Succeeded byTito Sotto
Senator of the Philippines
Incumbent
Assumed office
June 30, 2016
Senate positions
Chair of the Senate Finance Committee
In office
July 29, 2025 – May 11, 2026
Preceded byGrace Poe
Succeeded byMark Villar
Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee
In office
July 25, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Preceded byPia Cayetano
Succeeded byPia Cayetano
Chair of the Senate Basic Education Committee
Basic Education, Arts and Culture Committee (2019–2022)
In office
July 22, 2019 – June 30, 2025
Preceded byFrancis Escudero
Succeeded byBam Aquino
Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Valenzuela's 1st district
In office
June 30, 2013 – June 30, 2016
Preceded byRex Gatchalian
Succeeded byWes Gatchalian
In office
June 30, 2001 – June 30, 2004
Preceded byNew district
Succeeded byJose Emmanuel Carlos
25th Mayor of Valenzuela
In office
June 30, 2004 – June 30, 2013
Vice Mayor
Antonio Espiritu (2004–2007)
Eric Martinez (2007–2013)
Preceded byJose Emmanuel Carlos
Succeeded byRex Gatchalian
Personal details
BornSherwin Ting Gatchalian
(1974-04-06) April 6, 1974
Manila, Philippines
PartyNationalist People's Coalition
Relations
Boston University (BS)
OccupationPolitician
WebsiteOfficial website

Sherwin "Win" Ting Gatchalian (born April 6, 1974) is a Filipino politician and businessman who has served as the 34th president of the Senate of the Philippines since 2026, a role he briefly held in an acting capacity as Senate president pro tempore. A member of the Nationalist People's Coalition, he is in his second term as senator of the Philippines, having been elected to the chamber in 2016.

Gatchalian previously served as the representative of Valenzuela's first district from 2001 to 2004 and from 2013 to 2016. From 2004 to 2013, he served as the 25th mayor of Valenzuela.

Early life and education

Sherwin Ting Gatchalian was born to industrialist William Gatchalian and Dee Hua Ting. He is the eldest of four siblings, including namely Kenneth, Rex, and Wes Gatchalian. The Gatchalian family is of Chinese descent.[1]

Gatchalian finished his elementary and secondary education at Grace Christian High School in the 1980s[2] in Quezon City and graduated with a degree in Finance and Operations Management from Boston University in 1995.[3]

First term in Congress (2001–2004)

In 2001, Gatchalian was elected to the House of Representatives of the Philippines as the inaugural representative for Valenzuela's first district, which was established in 1998. He ran for the seat under the banner of the Nationalist People's Coalition, a party he would continue to affiliate with throughout his political career.[4] His election started the first generation of politicians from his family, which includes Rex Gatchalian, who has served as secretary of social welfare and development since 2023, and Wes Gatchalian, who has served as the mayor of Valenzuela since 2022.[5][6]

Gatchalian did chose not to seek re-election as representative to run for mayor of Valenzuela in 2004.

Mayor of Valenzuela (2004–2013)

During his nine-year tenure as local chief executive, Gatchalian prioritized good governance in the City Government of Valenzuela. He aimed to deliver reforms that aimed to eradicate corruption, foster growth in the local business sector, and improve the provision of social services in education, health, in-city housing, and other key areas.[7][8][9]

While in office, Gatchalian institute the "Win ang Edukasyon Program" (lit. transl. Education Wins Program).[10][11]

Return to the House (2013–2016)

When Gatchalian returned to the Lower House in 2013, he filed education-related measures to increase the number of math and science high schools across the country and to establish a nationwide school-based feeding program for kinder and elementary students across the country. On July 6, 2015, he filed the original version of House Bill No. 5905,[12] known as the Free Higher Education Act, that translated into the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. He also supports the implementation of K–12 education in the Philippines as an investment for the future of younger generations.[13]

Some of his other proposed bills during this term include acts regulating parking fees in malls and commercial areas,[14] including the completion of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program among the prerequisites for tertiary level graduation,[15] increasing the budget for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to transform its global image,[16] abolishing the Road Board (a government agency that handled motor vehicle users' tax and road users' tax),[17] protecting passengers against abusive and itinerant taxi drivers,[18] for the declaration of candidates seeking to profit from election polls as nuisance candidates,[19] as well as a proposed bill requiring proofs of parking space to car purchasers as a means to lessen traffic congestion.[20]

Senate (2016–present)

Elections

In June 2015, in an event in Quezon, Gatchalian announced his bid for a Senate seat in the 2016 general election. In October 2015, senator and presidential candidate Grace Poe announced her senatorial slate under the coalition Partido Galing at Puso which included Gatchalian.[21] He eventually won, receiving 14,953,768 votes[22] and placing 10th in the senatorial race.

In October 2021, he filed a certificate of candidacy to for a second term as Senator.[23] He was re-elected.

Tenure

Upon being elected Senator, Gatchalian urged then-incoming President Rodrigo Duterte to make education reform a top priority of his administration.[24] In the 17th Congress, Gatchalian served as chairman of the Committee on Energy[25][26] and Committee on Economic Affairs.[27] In the 18th Congress, he served again as the chairman of the energy committee and also of the Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture.[28]

In July 2024, Gatchalian joined Risa Hontiveros on leading a Senate inquiry on Bamban mayor Alice Guo over her dubious Filipino citizenship status and links to a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator in her town which was raided for involvement in suspected illicit activities.[29][30]

Senate presidency (2026–present)

Prelude

Following the election of Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate president on May 11, 2026, Gatchalian became part of the Senate minority bloc composed of 11 Senators led by Tito Sotto in an acting capacity. While in the minority, the faction had discussed a potential ouster of Cayetano from the post and consolidated their support behind Gatchalian as their preferred candidate for the position.[31][32] By May 22, he had expressed his readiness to take the position, a plan that Cayetano acknowledged in the press.[33][34]

Election

From June 1 to 2, the Cayetano bloc refused to attend Senate sessions following the arrest of Senator Jinggoy Estrada on plunder charges, which occurred on Senate premises.[35] Their absence led to a legislative impasse, which prohibited the chamber from conducting any business due to a lack of a quorum, a consequence that led to Gatchalian's bloc calling for Cayetano's resignation.[36][37]

On June 3, Gatchalian's bloc was joined by Senator Francis Escudero, allowing them to constitute a quorum to call a session on the day of the Senate's sine die adjournment.[38] During the meeting, all elective positions, including the Senate presidency, were declared vacant, with Gatchalian elected as Senate president pro tempore and committee leaderships reshuffled among members of his faction.[39] Without the 13 votes needed to elect the Senate presidency, the post remained vacant, with Gatchalian taking over the position in an acting capacity.[40]

The outcome of the session, including Gatchalian's election as Senate president pro tempore, was recognized by both the House of Representatives and President Bongbong Marcos,[41][42] together with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, citing the bloc's application of the 1949 Supreme Court ruling Avelino v. Cuenco.[43][44]

However, Cayetano contested the legitimacy of the move and continued to claim the Senate presidency, filing a petition to the Supreme Court on June 16 to nullify the leadership change.[45][46] That same day, Senator Erwin Tulfo confirmed that at least two of their colleagues were planning to back Gatchalian for the Senate presidency.[47]

On June 17, Cayetano conceded that Gatchalian secured enough votes to be elected to the Senate presidency, ending the leadership dispute between their camps.[48][49][50] Later that day, Gatchalian was formally elected Senate president in a special session, with Senator Joel Villanueva joining his bloc to complete the 13 votes needed for his election to the office by acclamation.[51][52][53]

Awards and recognition

Personal awards

  • 69th Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellow (2019)[54]
  • International Peace Laureate for Public Service (2019)[55]
  • Manila 40 Under 40 International Development Leaders (2013)[56]
  • Public Service Honoree, The Outstanding Young Men, TOYM (2011)[57]

Personal life

In 2007, Gatchalian began a relationship with actress and television host Pauleen Luna.[58] The couple separated in 2008.[59] In 2018, he began dating actress and beauty queen Bianca Manalo.[60] In an interview in January 2026, Gatchalian stated that his relationship was "non-existent", which was widely interpreted as confirmation that he and Manalo had ended their relationship.[61]

Notes

  1. ^ Acting from June 3, 2026 to June 17, 2026

References

  1. ^ Paurom, Dan (March 31, 2016). "Sherwin Gatchalian: Being Filipino not about bloodline". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
  2. ^ "Welcome To Grace Christian College". gcc.edu.ph. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  3. ^ ".30 Gatchalian, Win". votepilipinas.com. Retrieved June 27, 2024.
  4. ^ "Hon. Sherwin T. Gatchalian" (PDF). Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  5. ^ "Profile". Wes Gatchalian. August 11, 1980. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  6. ^ Galvez, Daphne (May 10, 2022). "Rep. Wes Gatchalian proclaimed as new Valenzuela City mayor". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
  7. ^ "Gatchalian: "Empowering governance" behind Valenzuela's safest city ranking". Senate of the Philippines. June 4, 2019.
  8. ^ Alcober, Neil (June 29, 2016). "Gatchalian vows push for free higher education". The Manila Times.
  9. ^ ""Free Higher Education will produce quality graduates" – Gatchalian". Senate of the Philippines. June 4, 2019.
  10. ^ "Tayo Na, Valenzuela!". City Government of Valenzuela. June 4, 2019.
  11. ^ Quejada, Butch (October 28, 2015). "Si Rep. Gatchalian at ang mga nagawa nito" [Rep. Gatchalian and his accomplishments]. The Philippine Star (in Tagalog). Retrieved June 3, 2019.
  12. ^ Romeo, Philippine Star (August 25, 2015). "House panel approves free college education bill". The Philippine Star. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  13. ^ Geronimo, Jee Y. (November 14, 2015). "Gatchalian on why he supports K to 12, free higher education". Rappler. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  14. ^ Yap, DJ (October 20, 2014). "Bill filed vs steep parking fees". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  15. ^ Yap, DJ (May 27, 2014). "Bill filed reviving ROTC for college students". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  16. ^ "Congressional probe on Naia's 'appalling global image' sought". Philippine Daily Inquirer. April 21, 2014. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  17. ^ Salaverria, Leila (January 3, 2014). "Legislator seeks abolition of Road Board". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  18. ^ Viray, Patricia Lourdes (November 17, 2014). "Solon proposes 'Bill of Rights of Taxi Passengers'". The Philippine Star. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  19. ^ Arcangel, Xianne (November 15, 2015). "Solon wants bets seeking to profit from polls declared nuisance". GMA News. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  20. ^ Corrales, Nestor (September 23, 2015). "Bill on proof of parking space as pre-requisite in buying car proposed". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  21. ^ Siazon, Rachel (November 4, 2015). "Grace Poe, Chiz Escudero announce senatorial bets under 'Team Galing at Puso'". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved May 12, 2016.
  22. ^ Hegina, Aries Joseph (May 19, 2016). "Drilon leads winning senators with 18.6M votes". The Inquirer. Retrieved June 6, 2019.
  23. ^ "Lacson drops Win Gatchalian, Herbert Bautista from slate". ABS-CBN News. February 10, 2022. Retrieved February 11, 2022.
  24. ^ Sarmiento, Jun (July 25, 2017). "Senators react to Duterte's Sona". Sunstar Philippines. Retrieved June 4, 2019.
  25. ^ "Senate Committee on Energy". Senate.gov.ph. February 14, 2018. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  26. ^ "Committee on Energy". Senate.gov.ph. August 31, 2016. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  27. ^ "List of Committees – Senate of the Philippines". Senate.gov.ph. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  28. ^ Rey, Aika (July 23, 2019). "LIST: Senate committee chairmanships for the 18th Congress". Rappler. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
  29. ^ Untalan, Sherylin (July 13, 2024). "TIMELINE: The plots and twists of the 'Alice Guo' probe". GMA News. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  30. ^ Ager, Maila (July 16, 2024). "Gatchalian reports threats made against his life for probing Alice Guo". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  31. ^ Servallos, Neil Jayson (May 25, 2026). "Sotto on Gatchalian as SP: It was my idea". The Philippine Star. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  32. ^ Nazario, Dhel (May 23, 2026). "Gatchalian vows to restore Senate's credibility amid leadership push". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  33. ^ Ager, Maila (May 20, 2026). "Alan Cayetano teases Sherwin Gatchalian amid coup rumors". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved May 22, 2026.
  34. ^ Nazario, Dhel (May 22, 2026). "'Kung handa, handa talaga: Gatchalian says 'ready' to serve as Senate president". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved May 22, 2026.
  35. ^ Ferreras, Vince Angelo; Bonzo, Lyjah Tiffany (June 1, 2026). "Majority senators absent as Jinggoy Estrada arrested for plunder". GMA News Online. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  36. ^ Cabalza, Dexter (June 3, 2026). "Marcos to Senate: Get back to work". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  37. ^ Clores, Keith; Santos, Tina G. (June 3, 2026). "Senate minority bloc to Cayetano: Resign!". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  38. ^ Locus, Sundy (June 3, 2026). "Sherwin Gatchalian assumes acting Senate President post". GMA News Online. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
  39. ^ Ramirez, Renalyn (June 3, 2026). "Palace recognizes 'new majority', backs Gatchalian as acting Senate president". The Philippine Star. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
  40. ^ Cruz, James Patrick (June 3, 2026). "Win Gatchalian is acting Senate president". Rappler. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  41. ^ Escosio, Jan (June 7, 2026). "House recognizes Gatchalian leadership in Senate – Ortega". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  42. ^ Cabato, Luisa (June 9, 2026). "Palace: No constitutional crisis, Gatchalian is sole Senate leader". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  43. ^ Valente, Catherine S.; Ismael, Javier Joe (June 13, 2026). "Marcos recognizes Gatchalian as Senate leader". The Manila Times. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  44. ^ Sampang, Dianne (June 4, 2026). "IBP agrees June 3 Senate quorum 'lawful' and 'valid'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  45. ^ Gonzalez, Mia (June 3, 2026). "Is Alan Cayetano still Senate president after new leadership shake-up?". Rappler. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  46. ^ Panaligan, Rey G. (June 16, 2026). "Sen Alan Cayetano's group asks SC to nullify proceedings in June 3 Senate session of Sen Gatchalian's bloc". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  47. ^ Servallos, Neil Jayson (June 16, 2026). "2 senators jumping to Sherwin bloc?". The Philippine Star. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  48. ^ Ager, Maila (June 17, 2026). "Alan Cayetano concedes Gatchalian camp has numbers". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  49. ^ Omboy, Giselle (June 17, 2026). "Sherwin Gatchalian elected Senate president". GMA News Online. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  50. ^ "Gatchalian becomes Philippines' new Senate president". The Star. June 17, 2026. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  51. ^ Clores, Keith (June 17, 2026). "Gatchalian is new Senate president". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  52. ^ Cruz, James Patrick (June 17, 2026). "Win Gatchalian is elected Senate president". Rappler. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  53. ^ Abanto, Rowegie (June 17, 2026). "Sotto replaces Escudero as Senate president". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  54. ^ "Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship – Visit of Honorable Sherwin Gatchalian, Senator of the Republic of the Philippines, 21 to 26 October 2019". Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore.
  55. ^ "Sino Phil Asia International Peace Awards History Making with Rizal and Malacañan Palace Peace Visits & Talks".
  56. ^ "'40 under 40' Filipino leaders to be cited". February 17, 2013.
  57. ^ Pilapil, Jaimie (December 8, 2011). "Malacanang honors seven TOYM awardees". Manila Times. Retrieved June 3, 2019.
  58. ^ "Pauleen Luna is now Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian's girlfriend". Philippine Entertainment Portal. August 12, 2007. Retrieved January 25, 2026.
  59. ^ "Pauleen Luna breaks up with Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian". Philippine Entertainment Portal. July 14, 2008. Retrieved January 25, 2026.
  60. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (September 11, 2024). "Bianca Manalo to Sen. Win Gatchalian: 'Your life will be boring without me'". Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  61. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (January 22, 2026). "Did Win Gatchalian confirm his breakup with Bianca Manalo?". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved May 30, 2026.
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