A special election is scheduled for November 28 to fill the vacant congressional seat for Batanes following the death of Representative Ciriaco Gato Jr. on September 21. Retired Commodore Edward Ike De Sagon, a former Philippine Navy official, filed his certificate of candidacy (CoC) on October 16, becoming the last to do so before the deadline. This filing initiates the formal campaign period for the Batanes congressional post. The election will determine who will succeed Gato Jr. and represent the province in the national legislature. De Sagon’s candidacy introduces a new contender in the race to serve the constituents of Batanes. The Commission on Elections will now proceed with the verification of all submitted CoCs in preparation for the November vote in Batanes.