Lagman files COC, seeks reelection as Albay representative

Incumbent Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman on Monday filed his certificate of candidacy, seeking another term in Congress.

Lagman said he seeks to serve his second term because his district “needs an experienced, courageous, innovative and dedicated” representative “who is known nationwide for his legislative abilities and progressive agenda.”

As he filed his COC in the provincial office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the opposition lawmaker said his relentless mission would be “to promote the commonweal, particularly the interests of the poor, marginalized and disadvantaged.”

He also called on his constituents to work for a “clean, honest, credible and meaningful” 2019 midterm elections.

“Election is the bedrock of a democratic system. It is the fountainhead from which springs genuine leaders and drowns false pretenders,” Lagman said in a statement.

“It is the crucible for change and reform. It expresses the solemn mandate of the sovereign people,” he added.

Lagman has been in Congress since the 1980s. He is a member of the Liberal Party and the leader of the “Magnificent 7,” an opposition group in the House of Representatives. /ee