Speaker Martin Romualdez led the House of Representatives in paying tribute to the late Albay Representative Edcel Lagman, who passed away due to cardiac arrest last January 30.
In the necrological service held for Lagman, Romualdez praised the departed lawmaker as “a statesman in the truest sense of the word,” a man with 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.
He highlighted Lagman’s landmark pieces of legislation, including the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act, the abolition of the death penalty, and the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act.
“Lagman remained steadfast though his legislative work was not always easy nor popular.”
Romualdez also noted that Lagman remained steadfast though his legislative work was not always easy nor popular.
“He did not come to Congress to seek the approval of the comfortable; he came to uplift those who had been forgotten,” he said.
Romualdez urged his fellow lawmakers and the next generation of legislators to continue the work that Lagman has started, ensuring that his legacy of justice and reform endures beyond his passing.
Lagman served as representative of the first district of Albay for nearly three decades, staunchly advocating human rights, social justice and progressive reforms.
Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan admired Lagman’s “tenacity in pushing for his advocacies”.
He even recalled how Lagman fought tirelessly for human rights and good governance.
“His voice may have fallen silent, but his ideals, courage and commitment to justice, human rights and the rule of law will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Former Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. also called Lagman “a formidable force in Congress,” whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
“His voice may have fallen silent, but his ideals, courage and commitment to justice, human rights and the rule of law will continue to inspire generations to come,” Belmonte said during the eulogy.
Lagman’s eldest daughter, Tabaco City Mayor Cielo Krisel Lagman-Luistro, thanked the House of Representatives for the heartfelt tribute to her father’s life and legacy as a statesman, and vowed to continue her father’s mission.
Wednesday’s ceremony included a rite of blessing led by Legazpi Bishop Joel Zamudio Baylon and an invocation by Lagman’s sister, Mrs. Nilda Lagman-Sevilla — also a longtime human rights defender.
The House turned over to the Lagman family memorabilia and a collection of the legislative works of the departed solon.
