Romer Butuyan 
“BATANES is a province of the Republic of the Philippines.” Ito ang matatag na pahayag ni Batanes lone district Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr., kasabay ng giit na anumang tangkang agawin ang isla ay hindi lamang isang uri ng geopolitical provocation kundi pag-atake rin sa kanilang pagkakakilanlan.
“Any challenge to our status is not merely a geopolitical provocation; it is an affront to our identity that we will not tolerate,” pahayag ni Gato.
Ayon sa kongresista, hindi biro ang pagkwestyon sa soberanya ng Pilipinas.
“Batanes is a province of the Republic of the Philippines. The Ivatans are Filipinos. These are enduring truths established by history, affirmed by our Constitution and laws, and embodied in the identity and collective experience of our people,” paninindigan ni Gato.
“We have always known who we are. Our allegiance is to the Republic of the Philippines—now and always,” buong-loob na pahayag ng mambabatas.
