Lawmakers pay tribute to Edcel Lagman

LAWMAKERS have offered their condolences to Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman, who died on Thursday at the age of 82.

Lagman died of a cardiac arrest, according to his daughter and Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman.

Speaker Martin Romualdez led the tributes to Lagman, who was also a columnist at The Manila Times, calling him a "passionate and fearless legislator" whose presence at the House of Representatives "commanded respect."

Lagman "was known for his sharp intellect, unwavering principles, and deep commitment to the causes he believed in. 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.

Romualdez extended his condolences to Lagman's family, friends and colleagues in the Liberal Party, and said Lagman's death leaves a "great void" not just in Congress but also in Philippine public service.

House blue ribbon committee chairman and Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua described Lagman as one of the "sharpest and most brilliant minds in Congress."

"His mastery of the law and parliamentary procedure was truly awe-inspiring," Chua said.

House Committee on Justice and Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores said that many have tried and failed to outsmart Lagman, but he also took legal losses with his head held high.

"I always admired watching him debate with other lawmakers — his mastery of the law, his sharp wit, and his unwavering principles made him a formidable figure in the halls of Congress," Flores said.

For Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera, Lagman's "booming voice, cracking wit, and astute legal mind were his arsenal for holding the powerful accountable."

"He had a kind heart for the poor, the weak, the underprivileged, and the marginalized. He devoted his life to fighting for them and this country he loves," Herrera said.

Herrera also described Lagman's work as a past president of the Rotary Club of South Triangle, which she held after his term.

"His leadership and dedication to service extended far beyond legislation — he was a true champion of meaningful change in every community he touched," Herrera said.

OFW Party-list Rep. Marissa del Mar-Magsino described Lagman as a "venerable lawmaker who fought for the ideals of the nation, especially on human rights, good governance, and social justice."

The Makabayan bloc also paid tribute to Lagman, calling him a "true statesman, principled legislator, and unwavering defender of human rights."

"Congressman Lagman was more than a colleague — he was a mentor and inspiration to many progressive legislators. His sharp legal mind and moral courage were instrumental in defending human rights and civil liberties, especially during the darkest times," ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro said.

Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas said Lagman was "not only an ally, but a brother in arms" in fighting for human rights and democracy, while Kabataan Rep. Raoul Danniel Manuel said Lagman will be a "light for our continued fight for the rights of Filipinos."

"PrimeTimes with Atty. Lia" host Lia Badillo also paid tribute to the lawmaker. Her show on The Manila Times Streaming Channel was one of the last shows Lagman appeared on.

"His passing is a great loss to the nation; he was not only a brilliant lawyer but also a principled and courageous legislator who dedicated his life to justice, human rights, and the service of the Filipino people. His legacy will continue to inspire those who fight for truth and accountability. May he rest in peace," Badillo said in her social media post.

Liberal Party stalwarts were among the first to pay their respects to their party president.

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ka Edcel Lagman — oragon (strong) in our shared struggle for social justice in the Philippines from the time of the Anti-Dictatorship struggle in the '80s until his Presidency of the Liberal Party at the time of his death," former senator and LP chairman Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan wrote on Thursday.

"Ka Edcel's personal and political life had been a testament to the power of principled leadership and the enduring fight for the rights of every Filipino, especially the last, the least, and the lost. The sacrifices of his family, particularly of his brothers labor leaders Hermon and Popoy's, remind us of the heavy price paid by his own loved ones and those who dare to fight in our nation's struggles for a Philippines Filipinos deserve," he said.

"Thank you and farewell, Manong Edcel. Thank you for the inspiration you gave to us who continued the fight you started for this country. May you rest in peace, Manong," wrote former senator Bam Aquino in Filipino.

Mamamayang Liberal (ML) 1st nominee and former senator Leila de Lima also mourned Lagman's passing.

"Manong Edcel will be remembered as one of the nation's most respected leaders and statesmen, tirelessly working for integrity in politics and competence in governance. In his death, he will continue to serve his country as the exemplary model of a humble and selfless servant of the Filipino people, which he dearly loved and faithfully served. My heart goes out to his children and loved ones he left behind," de Lima wrote in a statement on Friday.

"Sad. My hero has passed away. Thank you for the mentoring. For the breakfast sessions. For putting me in tight spots but believing in me. For our magnificent fight. I'll continue this fight. The country will miss you," wrote ML second nominee Teddy Baguilat in a mix of English and Filipino.

"When I heard the news that Ka Edcel Lagman passed, I took a pause to remember him. ... I will miss him! He was a giant in fighting for social justice issues, especially when it comes to helping the underprivileged. His love for the Philippines is unquestioned," said ML third nominee Erin Tañada.

The new party-list also said in a statement that the late lawmaker was a "leader who bravely fought for the rights of those on the margins" and that his passing is not only a loss to the LP but for the entire nation.

"But more than our grief, our commitment remains: we will continue what he started — the stand for truth, the fight for justice, and the promotion of a society that cares for all," ML said in Filipino on Thursday.

Former vice president Leni Robredo also mourned Lagman, admiring his work as a public servant and saying that Bicol lost a "great son."

"My fondness for him was very personal. When I was Vice President, I sought him for political advice. His wisdom, borne from his years as an outstanding public servant, always helped me gain clarity. My frequent visits to his Quezon City home were all memorable because their family serves the best food, and I would go home with a week's worth of baon and a cache of valuable fatherly counsel," Robredo wrote on Facebook on Friday.

The Akbayan and Kabataan party-lists also sent their condolences.

"We join the nation in mourning the passing of Rep. Edcel Lagman and extend our deepest condolences to his family and constituents. His years of public service were marked by unwavering tenacity in defending human rights and progressive causes," Akbayan President Rafaela David said in a statement.

"As a legislator, he had few equals — a formidable voice for progressive reforms in Congress. Akbayan was fortunate to have him as a steadfast ally in advancing landmark laws such as the Reproductive Health (RH) Law and the Human Rights Victims Recognition and Reparation Act, which upheld justice for the victims of the Marcos dictatorship," David added.

Kabataan honored Lagman as a close ally in championing certain causes for the Filipino people.

"A dedicated advocate for human rights, Rep. Lagman was a close ally in forwarding legislation that advanced the campaigns of various sectors and the welfare of the Filipino people. He was a principal author of bills that strengthened the respect for human rights, such as the Human Rights Defenders Bill," the party-list said on Friday.

"Even in his final years, during the Marcos administration, he remained steadfast for the tenets of transparency and accountability in public office. He was one with the people in their call against Marcos' attempts at Charter Change and schemes of the Maharlika Investment Fund," it said.

Lagman was also honored by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).

"The NHCP remembers Lagman as an advocate for truth and historical authenticity as part of human rights. During budget hearings, he proposed that the Commission expand its distribution of history publications so that it can reach public libraries (especially those maintained by local governments), Sentro Rizal branches in Philippine diplomatic posts, and book nooks maintained by the National Book Development Board. In response, the NHCP increased the number of copies of books it publishes and made them available online through the National Memory Project," the NHCP said on Friday.