Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former quad-committee (quad-comm) overall chairman Robert Ace Barbers have credited the late Antipolo City 2nd district Rep Romeo Acop for helping shepherd arguably the chamber's most politically sensitive inquiry with the firmness that only he can deliver.

It was during Romualdez's Speakership in the previous 19th Congress that the quad-comm was formed.

Headed by Barbers, the mega-panel found itself diving headfirst into the rabbit hole that linked together the issues of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) illegal drugs, money-laundering, and extra judicial killings (EJKs) during the previous Duterte administration.

“We mourn the passing of Representative Romeo Acop, a dedicated public servant who lived with discipline and integrity and remained unwavering in his commitment to serve the Filipino people,” Romualdez said on Sunday, Dec. 21.

“As one of the quad-comm leaders, Chairman Acop handled every investigation with a clear purpose and full respect for due process. He believed the House should always use its oversight powers responsibly, grounded in facts and the search for truth,” said the Leyte 1st district representative and Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president.

The former Speaker added that Acop’s background in public service and law enforcement was evident in the way he conducted the quad comm hearings. Romualdez described them as methodical, disciplined, and firmly anchored on accountability rather than theatrics.

“He was firm but fair. He asked the hard questions, but always within the bounds of decency and institutional respect. That kind of leadership elevated the credibility of the committee and the House itself,” he said.

Barbers, former Surigao del Norte 2nd district congressman, gave the same kind of praise for Acop, a former police brigadier general.

“Cong Romy is one of the truly honorable, principled, steadfast, dedicated, fiercest and true blue friends that I have met as a member of the House of Representatives," said the Mindanaoan.

"As overall vice-chair of the quad-comm, his unwavering resolve and surgically precise analysis in the entire saga contributed much to the credibility of the body that glued the entire country to its proceedings in quest for truth and justice," Barbers said.

"His contribution to the nation and service to his constituents will surely be felt by many as a great loss. He will be deeply remembered and sorely missed," he said of Acop.

"I offer my most profound condolences to his family, relatives and friends. May his soul rest in peace," added Barbers.

Romualdez added that beyond his role in high-profile investigations, colleagues widely respected Acop for his quiet work ethic and his consistent attention to legislative duties.

“He never chased headlines. He showed up, did the work, and stayed true to the belief that public office is a public trust,” the ex-Speaker said.

Romualdez extended his condolences to Acop’s family, friends, and constituents. He said the late House leader leaves behind a legacy defined by the reforms he helped push and the standards he set in congressional oversight.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and with the people of Antipolo City. May they find comfort in knowing that his service mattered, and that his contributions—especially to the work of the quad-comm—will not be forgotten,” Romualdez said.