Rep. Edcel Lagman dies at 82

Albay 1st district Representative and Liberal Party President Edcel Lagman died at 82 on Thursday, January 30, 2025, due to cardiac arrest.

His daughter, Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman, confirmed his death, stating he was surrounded by family and "left this world the way he lived his life - with integrity, compassion, and fearlessness."

Known as an "independent minority" solon in the 19th Congress, Lagman served as the representative of the First District of Albay for eight terms.

He was the principal author of the reproductive health bill, which became law in 2012, and a main mover of the law that abolished the death penalty in 2006.

Lagman also championed human rights legislations such as the Anti-Torture Act of 2009, Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act of 2012, and Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013.

He actively championed the Absolute Divorce Bill and criticized former President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war campaign.

Fellow lawmakers, including Albay Second District Rep. Joey Salceda and Third District Manila Congressman Joel Chua, paid tribute to Lagman, remembering his sharp intellect and advocacy.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez remembered Lagman as a "passionate and fearless legislator" with a "sharp intellect, unwavering principles, and deep commitment to the causes he believed in."