
Two House Speakers pay tribute to Lagman
TWO House Speakers led the necrological rites for Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, who died after suffering cardiac arrest, in the House of Representatives.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and former Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, both colleagues of Lagman in several Congresses, paid tribute to the lawmaker.
Romualdez delivered a powerful and heartfelt eulogy about the lawmaker’s dedication to democracy, human rights and progressive legislation.
During the necrological service at the Plenary Hall, Romualdez described Lagman as a true statesman whose legacy will endure beyond his lifetime.
“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,” Speaker Romualdez said.
“To speak of Edcel Lagman is to speak of a statesman in the truest sense of the word. He was 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,” he added.
Lagman, who served in the House of Representatives for multiple terms, was known as a staunch advocate of human rights, reproductive health and good governance. Throughout his career, he championed landmark legislation that continues to shape Philippine law and society.
“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,” Romualdez noted.
“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 these legislative battles were often met with resistance, Lagman remained steadfast, believing that public service meant standing for the marginalized rather than seeking the approval of the privileged.
Beyond his legislative work, Lagman was also remembered as a mentor, a principled leader and a formidable yet respectful opponent in debates. His ability to stand his ground while maintaining respect for differing views was a defining characteristic of his leadership.
“Edcel 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,” Romualdez emphasized.
He urged fellow lawmakers to draw inspiration from Lagman’s example, particularly in upholding integrity in governance and ensuring that debates in Congress are founded on principles rather than mere political power.
The Speaker also recognized the sacrifices Lagman made throughout his career, carrying causes that were often difficult but necessary for national progress.
Meanwhile for his part, Speaker Belmonte paid his last respect by saying “ the true measure of a man is not by the way he died, but by the way he lived.”
Belmonte said Lagman stood as a giant, when many of them where taller than him physically.
He described Lagman as a man of unwavering integrity, principle and conviction, much has been said about the remarkable legacy he lives behind in public service.
“Among the more accolades and stories shared about my friend Edcel I hope his family will allow me to offer more personal dreams of the man behind the statesman. Mukhang, titingnan ko dito, mukhang ako na lang ang contemporary niya na nagsasalita dito. As a lawmaker, I consider myself fortunate to work alongside him, because it allowed me to witness his brilliance and gravitas,” the former Speaker added.