The Members of the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, extend their deepest condolences to the family of late Albay representative and Liberal Party president Edcel Lagman, who passed away on Thursday.
Romualdez commended Lagman’s commitment to serving the people and the causes he believed in.
“Whether one agreed with him or not, no one could deny his dedication to his work and his tireless advocacy for human rights, good governance, and social justice. His voice—always firm, always eloquent—pushed important debates forward and challenged us all to think more critically and act more decisively,” he said.
“His absence leaves a great void, not just in Congress but in Philippine public service. On behalf of the House of Representatives, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues in the Liberal Party,” he added.
Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda said that he was honored to have served alongside the late solon. “He was always formidable. Condolences to the family, and may he rest in peace,” he said.
Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua commended the late lawmaker’s astute mind in serving the country. “I deeply mourn the passing of Congressman Edcel Lagman, one of the sharpest and most brilliant minds in Congress. His mastery of the law and parliamentary procedure was truly awe-inspiring.”
Agri Party-list Representative and senatorial candidate Wilbert Lee praised his fellow Bicolano, Lagman, as an example of the ideal lawmaker. “Si Manong Edcel ay nagsilbi at patuloy na magsisilbing inspirasyon sa pagtatanggol sa karapatang pantao, pagsusulong ng makabuluhang mga batas, pagtataguyod ng makatarungang lipunan at paglilingkod sa Diyos, kapwa, at bansa.”
The Liberal Party, which he once led as president, expressed sorrow over his death. The party noted that Lagman was a strong advocate for human rights and consistently stood up for the oppressed.
“Sa kanyang mahabang karera bilang abogado ng karapatang pantao at mambabatas, walang kapaguran niyang ipinaglaban ang mga biktima ng pang-aabuso, ang kalusugan at kapakanan ng kababaihan, kabataan, at LGBT, at ang tapat at mahusay na pamamahala. Sa kanyang pagkawala, nabawasan ng isang matalas, masipag, at matapang na lingkod-bayan ang Pilipinas,” the party said.
“Ang paggabay at pagmamahal ni Manong Edcel ang nag-ahon sa partido sa panahon ng matitinding pagsubok at mapapait na kabiguan. Lagi naming hahanap-hanapin ang malalim at buong-buo niyang boses na nagpalinaw sa mga komplikadong usapin, nagpaalala sa aming mga tinitindigang prinsipyo, at nagpagaan sa aming mga propesyonal at personal na suliranin,” it added.
“Maraming-maraming salamat, at paalam, Manong Edcel. Mananatili kang tanglaw sa laban para sa mas maunlad, mas malaya, at mas makatarungang Pilipinas,” the party concluded.
