House honors late Rep Edcel Lagman

The House of Representatives held a necrological service on Wednesday, February 5, to honor the late Albay 1st District Representative Edcel Lagman, who passed away at 82 years old on January 30.

Lagman, who served nine Congresses starting in 1987, was known as a staunch human rights advocate and championed significant legislation such as the Anti-Torture Act, Anti-Enforced Disappearance Act, Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act, and the Reproductive Health Law.

He also advocated for protections for human rights defenders, safeguards against teenage pregnancy, and the legalization of absolute divorce.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez described him as "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."

House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan lauded Lagman's unwavering commitment to human rights, good governance, and social justice, noting his relentless fight for the Reproductive Health Law.

Libanan also recalled that Lagman was the sole independent member of the 19th Congress and praised his tenacity in pushing his advocacies.

Former Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. described him as "a man of unwavering integrity, principle, and conviction."