​Speaker Martin Romualdez on Wednesday, Feb. 5, honored the late Albay 1st district Rep. Edcel Lagman as the House of Representatives held a necrological service for the Bicolano.

Romualdez, in his eulogy, described Lagman as a true statesman, "a man of deep conviction, unafraid to stand alone when necessary, and unyielding in his belief that governance is not about placating the powerful but about serving the powerless".

"Today, we gather not merely to mourn the passing of a legislator but to honor a life devoted to the unrelenting pursuit of justice, the unwavering defense of democracy and the fearless exercise of principle," he said.

Lagman served in the House of Representatives for multiple terms. He was known as a staunch advocate of human rights, reproductive health, and good governance.

Throughout his career, he had also championed landmark legislation that continues to shape Philippine law and society, said Romualdez.

"For decades, he walked these halls as both a legislator and a leader–sometimes in the majority, often in the minority, but always in the service of the Filipino people. His name became synonymous with progressive reform, human rights and an independent Congress that held itself accountable to history, not just to the tides of politics," he said.

"He was the architect of laws that will endure beyond his lifetime–the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act, the abolition of the death penalty, the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act–each a pillar of his legislative legacy," he continued.

While such legislative battles were often met with resistance, Lagman remained steadfast, according to Romualdez. He believed that public service meant standing for the marginalized rather than seeking the approval of the privileged.

"They were not always popular. They were not always easy. But Edcel Lagman did not come to Congress to seek the approval of the comfortable. He came to uplift those who had been forgotten," Romualdez said.

Beyond his legislative work, Lagman was also remembered as a mentor, a principled leader and a formidable yet respectful opponent in debates.

For Romualdez, Lagman "was more than the sum of the bills he passed or the speeches he delivered".

"He was a mentor to many, a fierce but respectful opponent, and above all, a man who understood that democracy is built not on agreement but on dialogue, not on uniformity but on dissent," he said.

Romualdez then urged his fellow lawmakers to draw inspiration from the example shown by Lagman, particularly in upholding integrity in governance and ensuring that debates in Congress are founded on principles rather than mere political power.

"We who remain in public service would do well to learn from his example. To debate fiercely but fairly. To disagree but never to dehumanize. To never confuse power with principle, nor compromise with surrender," he said.