Batanes Congressman Ciriaco Gato Jr. Dies at Age 66

Batanes Province confirmed that its longtime representative, Ciriaco “Jun” Gato Jr., died on September 21 at the age of 66, though the exact cause was not released. Born in Sabtang and raised in Itbayat, Gato earned a medical degree from the University of the Philippines and practiced as an ear, nose, and throat specialist before entering politics. He first won a seat in Congress in 2019, defeating former budget secretary Butch Abad, and was re-elected twice, serving his third and final term.

During his tenure, he chaired the House health committee, helping pass Republic Act No. 11959 for regional specialty centers and Republic Act No. 12290 creating the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines. The provincial government described him as a devoted son of the province whose loss was felt deeply. He is survived by his wife Jade and their two daughters.