The lower chamber has adopted separate resolutions expressing profound condolences to the families of the late former Solicitor General Estelito Mendoza and former Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Artemio Adasa Jr.
Through House Resolution (HR) No. 2290, the chamber paid tribute to Mendoza, who died on March 26 at the age of 95.
House of Representatives members recognized Mendoza's “remarkable contributions to law and public service,” and cited his long record of government and private legal service that earned him the reputation as a “super lawyer” and “attorney of last resort".
Mendoza served as solicitor general from 1972 to 1986, concurrently as a member of the Batasang Pambansa representing Pampanga, governor of Pampanga, and minister of justice.
He also chaired the Committees on Revision of Laws and Codes and Constitutional Amendments, and was a member of several key panels, including Appropriations, Energy and Foreign Affairs.
“As a legislator, Honorable Mendoza authored notable laws and resolutions,” the resolution read. These included the law creating the Commission on Filipinos Overseas and an act providing for the accreditation of political parties.
He also played a key role in the international legal community, serving as chairperson of the Sixth (Legal) Committee of the United Nations General Assembly and vice chairperson of the Philippine delegation to the Third UN Conference on the Law of the Sea.
“In his outstanding career as a private practicing lawyer, Honorable Mendoza handled numerous high-profile cases that cemented his reputation as a legal luminary,” the House said, referring to landmark cases involving former presidents and high-ranking officials.
The House noted that Mendoza was “widely celebrated” and received multiple awards, including the Presidential Medal of Merit and the Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Award from the University of the Philippines Alumni Association. His influence extended to corporate boards and professional organizations.
“The passing of this esteemed and well-respected government servant, and a man of integrity, honor, and unwavering dedication to public service marks a profound and significant loss that is deeply felt not only by his family, relatives, and friends but also by the legal profession and the entire nation,” the resolution stated.
In a separate measure, HR No. 2286, the House expressed condolences to the family of Adasa, who died on Feb. 7 at the age of 72.
Adasa, fondly known as “Tim", served as the representative of the first legislative district of Zamboanga del Norte in the Eighth and Ninth Congress, and later as deputy secretary general of the Legislative Operations Department until his retirement in 2017.
The House cited his co-authorship of “various legislation of national importance", including the Local Government Code of 1991, the Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989, the Philippine Foreign Service Act of 1991, the Consumer Act of the Philippines, and the Inter-Country Adoption Act of 1995.
Following his legislative work, he was appointed undersecretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and later returned to the House in a senior executive role.
In 2014, Honorable Adasa Jr. was awarded the rank of colonel in the Philippine Air Force Reserve Command and promoted to brigadier general in 2017.
According to the resolution, Adasa will be remembered for “his contribution in framing meaningful pieces of legislation of national and local importance, his passion and dedication for helping others and sincerity to truly serve the country and the Filipino people".