Congressman Gato of Batanes dies, 66

MANILA, Philippines — The incumbent congressman from the lone district of Batanes died on Monday due to cardiac arrest. He was 66.

Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr., a doctor who also headed the House committee on health, died while en route to Manila for treatment.

Gato, of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, was Batanes representative since 2019. The NPC, now headed by industrialist Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corp., issued a statement.

“The NPC deeply mourns the passing of Rep. Gato, a valued member of the party, a dedicated public servant, and a physician who devoted his life to caring for others. The NPC extends its deepest sympathies and prayers to his loved ones,” it stated.

“Congressman Gato served the people of Batanes with compassion and unwavering dedication. As a medical doctor and chairperson of the House committee on health, he worked tirelessly to improve the health and well-being of Filipinos,” the party added.

“His life of service will be remembered with gratitude and respect. His loss is deeply felt by the people of Batanes, his colleagues in Congress, the NPC and all whose lives he touched. May Congressman Gato rest in eternal peace,” the NPC said.

Speaker Faustino Dy III expressed his deepest sympathies over the passing of Gato, paying tribute to the physician-lawmaker for a life devoted to public service and the welfare of his fellow Filipinos.

“The entire House of Representatives extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Congressman Ciriaco Gato,” he said.

Special elections

Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections is eyeing Dec. 19 for the special election in Batanes following Gato’s death, Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said yesterday.

Garcia said the proposal on the schedule for the special election would be submitted to the Comelec next week.

“More or less, the initial date is Dec. 19, if that will be approved,” the Comelec chief said in an interview. — Christine Boton