House Speaker honors late Batanes lawmaker Gato for decades of service

The House of Representatives gathered for a necrological service to honor Gato, whose representation of Batanes spanned multiple congressional sessions. Speaker Dy presided over the solemn proceedings, recognizing the late lawmaker's sustained commitment to his constituents. "For three consecutive Congresses, the people of Batanes entrusted him with the privilege of representing them," Dy said during his eulogy, underscoring Gato's enduring connection with voters in the remote island province. The tribute highlighted the significance of Gato's lengthy tenure in the chamber, reflecting the confidence the Batanes electorate repeatedly placed in his leadership. His death marks the end of a notable chapter in the legislative history of one of the Philippines' most geographically isolated provinces. The necrological service brought together fellow lawmakers and officials to commemorate Gato's contributions to the House and his service to the Filipino people.