FORMER Mandaluyong Congresswoman Alexandria “Queenie” Pahati Gonzales is poised to make a comeback to the House of Representatives as she officially filed her Certificate of Candidacy (COC) Tuesday morning to represent the lone district of Mandaluyong City.
Gonzales was accompanied by her husband, current Mandaluyong Rep. Neptali “Boyet” Gonzales II when she filed her COC at the
Comelec’s National Capital Region (NCR) office headquarters in Greenhills, San Juan.
A seasoned public servant with deep roots in Mandaluyong’s local governance, Gonzales is stepping up to continue her family’s legacy of service to the city and its people.
“I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to serve the people of Mandaluyong once again,” Gonzales, a former Channel 5 reporter, stated.
“There is still so much work to be done, and I am dedicated to continuing the initiatives that have a direct impact on the lives of our constituents,” she added.
Gonzales previously served as the congresswoman of Mandaluyong City from 2016 to 2019. Despite being a neophyte legislator, she quickly rose to prominence, becoming a Deputy Majority Leader.
Her tenure was marked by significant contributions to health, education and infrastructure, reflecting her commitment to the welfare of her constituents.
One of her notable achievements was championing the vaccination against cervical cancer among young girls in her district, recognizing the critical importance of women’s health.
She authored and co-authored key legislation that led to the enactment of the Mental Health Law and the Universal Health Care Law, significantly improving access to essential health services nationwide.
Additionally, she supported the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, commonly known as the Free Tuition Law or UNIFAST, advocating for accessible higher education for all Filipinos.
“Education and health are fundamental rights that should be accessible to everyone. I have always believed that by empowering our citizens through quality education and healthcare, we lay the foundation for a stronger community,” she said.
In infrastructure development, Gonzales made significant strides by establishing the very first 11-storey “green” city jail in Mandaluyong and in the entire National Capital Region. This modern facility not only improved living conditions for inmates but also incorporated sustainable environmental practices.
She also built the state-run Rizal Technological University Wellness Center, providing students with enhanced facilities for learning and development.
Continuing the pioneering work of her husband, she partnered with the local government to establish the Mandaluyong College of Science and Technology.
Recognizing the issue of overcrowded classrooms in urban areas, Gonzales facilitated the construction of approximately 252 classrooms in Mandaluyong, effectively addressing the high student density per class.
With Rep. Neptali “Boyet” Gonzales II not seeking reelection, Queenie Gonzales is ready to continue their family’s legacy of dedicated public service with her extensive experience and proven track record.
As she embarks on her campaign, she expresses deep gratitude for the support and trust of her constituents.
