Luis Abad runs for Batanes congressman in special election

CANDIDATE. Luis Abad files his certificate of candidacy for Batanes congressman for the November 28, 2026 special elections.

Comelec

The son of former Batanes representatives Butch and Henedina Abad will run in the November 28 special election to fill the vacancy left by the death of Batanes congressman Ciriaco Gato Jr.

MANILA, Philippines – Luis Abad is running in the November 28 special elections for the vacant congressional seat left by the death of Batanes congressman Ciriaco “Jun” Gato Jr.

Abad filed his certificate of candidacy on Thursday, October 15. He is the son of former budget secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad and the late Henedina Abad, both former Batanes representatives.

This will be Abad’s second bid for Batanes representative, after his loss to Gato in the 2022 elections.

Another candidate for the post is John Gato, the brother of the late congressman, who said he would continue his brother’s advocacies.

The special elections for Batanes representative will be held on November 28. The winner will serve the remainder of the term of Gato, or until June 30, 2028.

In an interview with Radyo Pilipinas Batanes, Abad said that he will focus on addressing gut issues in the province, specifically high prices of basic goods and job generation, and boosting local businesses.

The filing of COCs for the Batanes special election started on Wednesday, October 14, and will end on Friday, October 16. – Rappler.com