House Majority Leader and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez and Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez extended on Monday, July 6, their condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family of Camarines Sur 1st District Rep. Marissa Andaya.
The couple said they are one with the first district of Camarines Sur and former House Majority Leader Rolando Andaya in grieving the death of the woman lawmaker who died last Sunday.
"We wish that the outpouring of love and support will somehow bring consolation, strength and peace to former House Majority Leader Nonoy Andaya and his family during this painful time," they said in a statement.
"We know that no words can comfort her family in this sorrowful moment. She will be included in our prayers and may God give her eternal rest," they added.
Anakalusugan partylist Rep. Mike Defensor had confirmed that Andaya died at St. Luke’s Hospital, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Andaya was 51.
In a Facebook post on Sunday night, former Rep. Andaya confirmed the death of his wife, whom he said, was a cancer warrior for seven years.
He said although his wife was considered as immune-compromised, she chose to be with her constituents "from Day One of the lockdown, daily doing the rounds of her district, helping the sick, the stranded, and those who have lost jobs and livelihood."
"She reluctantly returned to Manila on the first week of June for her scheduled medical check-up . It was there that we learned that her nemesis has returned with a vengeance," Andaya said.
In the same social media post, he also asked their friends to give them space "in the meantime to grieve in private."