Batanes: Batanes Lone District Representative Ciriaco Gato Jr. has firmly rejected claims made by Chinese scholars suggesting that Batanes is part of China.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gato expressed 'grave concern' about the assertions made at an academic symposium in China, where it was alleged that Batanes is a natural geographical extension of Taiwan, with sovereignty belonging to China. Gato emphasized that Batanes is a province of the Republic of the Philippines, and the people of Batanes, known as the Ivatans, are Filipinos. He cited historical facts, constitutional laws, and the identity of the people as evidence of Batanes' place within the Philippines.

Gato stated that any attempt to question or undermine the sovereignty of the Philippines over Batanes or any other island is unacceptable. He further described any such challenges as more than just geopolitical provocation, labeling them an affront to the identity of the Filipino people.

The lawmaker reiterated the steadfast allegiance of the Ivatans to the Republic of the Philippines, declaring that their loyalty has always been, and will continue to be, to the nation.