Albay Rep. Lagman passes away at 82
Metro Manila, Philippines - Albay First District Rep. and Liberal Party (LP) President Edcel Lagman passed away on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 30, his daughter announced.
“He left this world the way he lived his life – with integrity, compassion, and fearlessness. He fought until the end with the dogged determination, tenacity, and unshakable hopefulness that defined all that he stood for,” Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman said in a statement.
“He will be remembered and honored by his family, friends, and colleagues as a remarkable and generous father; a warm, thoughtful and loving brother, uncle and lolo; a true and loyal friend; and an upright, principled, and unwavering advocate of human rights and the rule of law,” she added.
The younger Lagman said the long-time public servant was surrounded by his family members at his “final peaceful moments.”
Tributes pour in
Lagman’s party and fellow lawmakers mourned the congressman’s demise.
The LP lamented that the country lost an excellent and courageous public servant.
“Lagi naming hahanap-hanapin ang malalim at buong-buo niyang boses na nagpalinaw sa mga komplikadong usapin, nagpaalala sa aming mga tinitindigang prinsipyo, at nagpagaan sa aming mga propesyonal at personal na suliranin,” the LP stated.
[Translation: We will always look for his deep and full voice that sheds light on complicated issues, reminds us to uphold our principles, and lightens our professional and personal problems.]
House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda extended their condolences to the bereaved family and hoped for his peaceful repose.
“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,” Romualdez said.
“It was an honor to serve Albay alongside Cong. Edcel Lagman. He was always formidable,” Salceda said.
Lagman, 82, has authored bills on absolute divorce, reproductive health, human rights defenders protection, among other measures.
