House members mourn Lagman's passing


At a glance

  • Lawmakers from the House of Representatives are mourning the passing of Albay 1st district Rep. Edcel Lagman, who died from cardiac arrest on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 30.


Lawmakers from the House of Representatives are mourning the passing of Albay 1st district Rep. Edcel Lagman, who died from cardiac arrest on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 30.

Members of the Makabayan bloc—ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro, Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas and Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel—said Lagman was "a true statesman, principled legislator and unwavering defender of human rights".

They expressed their sympathies with Lagman's family and said that his passing was a profound loss not only to Congress but to the entire nation.

"His legacy as a fearless advocate for human rights, democracy, and social justice will forever be etched in our country's history. As a close friend and ally of the Makabayan bloc, he stood with us in countless battles for people's rights and welfare," they said in a statement.

For Castro, Lagman was more than a colleague. He was a mentor and inspiration to many progressive legislators.

Brosas said Lagman was not only an ally. He was also a real brother in fighting for what was right.

For Manuel, Lagman's principles and teachings will serve as guide for the bloc's continued fight.

Manila 3rd district Rep. Joel Chua is also mourning the passing of Lagman, whom he described as "One of the sharpest minds ever to serve in Congress."

"His mastery of the law and parliamentary procedure was truly awe-inspiring," he said.

Bukidnon 2nd district Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores said every Filipino "owes a great debt of gratitude to Edcel Lagman for his public service".

He said he has always admired "watching him debate with other lawmakers" as "his mastery of the law, his sharp wit, and his unwavering principles made him a formidable figure in the halls of Congress".

Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera said Lagman "had a kind heart for the poor, the weak, the underprivileged, and the marginalized."

His "mere presence also made human rights violators tremble in fear, and his booming voice, cracking wit, and astute legal mind were his arsenal for holding the powerful accountable", she added.

Quezon Province 3rd district Rep. Reynante Arrogancia said Lagman set the examples for neophytes to emulate in the House.

"When he speaks, we listen. We listen because every time he speaks is a master class. From him, we learned how to form solid ideas and communicate them effectively," Arrogancia said.