(Las Piñas City lone district Rep. Camille Villar's office)

House Deputy Speaker and Las Pinas City lone district Rep. Camille Villar is mourning the death of Nueva Vizcaya Governor Carlos Padilla, whom she calls an "inspiring leader".

“We deeply mourn the passing of a dedicated and inspiring leader in Governor Padilla, who demonstrated unwavering commitment to promote the welfare of his countrymen,” Villar said in a statement Saturday afternoon, May 6.

One of the leaders of the Nacionalista Party (NP), the lady solon said her family joins others party officials and members in remembering Padilla.

“We continue to draw inspiration from his important contributions in public service - isinulong niya ang makabuluhang proyekto bilang kinatawan ng lone district ng Nueva Vizcaya at gobernador ng lalawigan sa loob ng maraming taon (he pursued meaningful projects as the representative of the lone district of Nueva Vizcaya and governor of the province for many years),” Villar said.

Padilla, 78, reportedly died of a heart attack Friday, May 5. He was serving his third and final term as govenror.

Padilla started his political career as the first mayor of the old Dupax town, before it was split into three municipalities.

He also served as the first mayor of Dupax del Norte when the town was split into Dupax del Norte, Dupax del Sur, and Alfonso Castañeda.

Padilla also served as congressman of the lone district of Nueva Vizcaya for a total of 29 years. It was during this period that he held the positions of deputy speaker and minority leader.