Kenneth Gatchalian

Kenneth Ting Gatchalian is a Filipino businessman and politician from Valenzuela. Since May 12, 2025, he became the representative of the 1st congressional district of Valenzuela, having won in the 2025 elections.

Early life and education

Gatchalian was born on January 12, 1976, to industrialist William Gatchalian and Dee Hua Ting, a religious leader and community figure in Valenzuela. He is the second of four siblings: Sherwin, Rexlon, and Weslie, all of whom have served in government or executive roles.
He earned a degree in Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin and is also a licensed real estate broker.

Business career

Gatchalian has held numerous leadership roles in the private sector, particularly in companies under the Wellex Group, which was founded by his father. He has served as:

President and CEO of Wellex Industries, Inc.
President and CEO of Acesite Hotel Corporation
President of Waterfront Philippines, Inc.
President of Metro Alliance Holdings & Equities Corp.
President of Orient Pacific Corporation

In November 2024, Orient Pacific Corporation was involved in public controversy after one of its SUVs, registered under Gatchalian’s leadership, was caught using a protocol "No. 7" license plate on the EDSA busway reserved for high-ranking officials.

Political career

In the 2025 Philippine general election, Gatchalian ran for the congressional seat of Valenzuela's 1st district under the Nationalist People’s Coalition. He won the seat with 80,410 votes, narrowly defeating former Vice Mayor Tony Espiritu, who received 79,629 votes.
He would succeed his younger brother, Rex Gatchalian, who vacated the post upon his appointment as Department of Social Welfare and Development secretary in 2023.