Romualdez: Late Lagman 'a passionate, fearless legislator'


At a glance

  • House Speaker Martin Romualdez leads his fellow congressmen in giving their words of tribute to the late Albay 1st district Rep. Edcel Lagman.

  • Lagman passed away at the age of 82 on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 30 after suffering a cardiac arrest.


20250130_195647.jpgHouse Speaker Martin Romualdez (left), Albay 1st district Rep. Edcel Lagman (PPAB)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A passionate and fearless legislator.

That's how House Speaker Martin Romualdez will remember Albay 1st district Rep. Edcel Lagman, who passed away on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 30 at the age of 82 after suffering a cardiac arrest. 

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Albay 1st district Rep. Edcel C. Lagman. He was more than a colleague—he was a passionate and fearless legislator whose presence in the House of Representatives commanded respect," Romualdez said in a statement Thursday night.

"Cong. Edcel was known for his sharp intellect, unwavering principles, and deep commitment to the causes he believed in," Romualdez said of the Liberal Party (LP) president.

"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," said the Leyte 1st district congressman. 

"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. May they find comfort in knowing that Cong. Edcel’s legacy of service and integrity will endure," the Speaker said.

"Rest in peace, Cong. Edcel. You will be missed," Romualdez added.

 

'Always formidable'

Other House members also gave their tributes to late independent minority solon.

Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda said:  It was an honor to serve Albay alongside Cong. Edcel Lagman. He was always formidable. Condolences to the family, and may he rest in peace."

Salceda was alluding to Lagman's reputation as a fierce debater in and out of plenary, not one to back down or compromise his convictions on a piece of legislation or a manifestation.

Manila 6th district Rep. Bienvenido "Benny" Abante Jr. also had good things to say about the Albay congressman.

"While we may not have always stood on the same side of every issue, I always had deep respect for his convictions, his intellect, and his desire to serve our people. He was a true public servant—one who fought relentlessly until his last breath for what he believed would uplift the lives of Filipinos," Abante said of Lagman.

"Rep. Lagman was a man of principle, a formidable and articulate debater whose passion for his many causes was matched by his preparation. He was also a dignified and gracious statesman; even when he disagreed with his colleagues, he was never disagreeable—and there was never a doubt that his heart was always with the people he sincerely served," he said.

Another Bicol solon, AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee, was equally crushed by the news of "Manong Edcel's" passing.

"Bilang kapwa Bicolano at kapwa mambabatas, 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," Lee said in separate statement.

(As a fellow Bicolano and fellow legislator, Manong Edcel has been and continues to serve as inspiration for defending human rights, the pursuit of significant laws, the promotion of a just society, and service to God, countryman and nation.)

OFW Party-list Rep. Marissa "Del Mar" Magsino described the late Lagman as a "model lawmaker who courageously and compassionately fought for aspirations that were beneficial to the nation, especially in the field of human rights, good governance, and social justice".

 

'Brother, guiding figure'

For his part, Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong fondly recalled early 2024 when he worked alongside Lagman as a co-author of the Absolute Divorce Bill.

"His leadership and unwavering commitment to providing Filipinos with a legal recourse to escape abusive and irreparable marriages were instrumental in the bill’s passage in the House of Representatives. He believed that true justice means giving people the freedom to rebuild their lives with dignity, and he fought relentlessly to make that a reality," he said.

"Beyond the halls of Congress, he was a brother to us. He was a guiding figure whose wisdom, generosity, and kindness enriched our lives. In our fraternity, he was more than a brother in name. He was a mentor, a pillar of strength, and a constant source of inspiration. His leadership extended beyond politics," added Adiong.