House honors Rodolfo Albano Jr., a veteran lawmaker, mentor and family man

MANILA, Philippines — Members of the House of Representatives paid their final respects to veteran lawmaker Rodolfo B. Albano, Jr. who was the representative of the Liquified Petroleum Gas Marketers’ Association (LPGMA) party-list in the 18th Congress.

The congressman for 34 years died of heart failure on Tuesday afternoon, November 5. He was 85.

READ: Legislator Rodolfo Albano Jr. passes away

Speaker Alan Cayetano, Majority Leader Martin Romualdez, former Speakers Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., and Jose de Venecia Jr., and other House members and congressional staff joined the ceremony.

Cayetano recounted how Albano, in his wheelchair, personally approached him after the State of the Nation Address last July and backed his candidacy for Speaker.

“On one hand it’s so sad Manong Rudy said goodbye to us during the 18th Congress while he was an incumbent congressman,” Cayetano also said.

“But on another hand, for a congressman, for a public servant who loved congress, who loved walking these halls, who loved talking to people and getting people together, isn’t this the best place for him to have said ‘my work is done, pinapasa ko na sa inyo, goodbye.’ And that comforts me,” he added.

Incumbent 1st District Rep. Antonio “Tonypet” Albano thanked those who delivered eulogies for his father.

“You were most generous and was giving until the end. And the only gift left that I can give you now is my prayer, asking our Lord… to forgive all your sins and bring you straight to heaven, pleading now to Jesus to comfort you and let you rest in peace,” he said.

Funeral services will be held at the provincial capitol of Isabela beginning Saturday, while his final resting place will be at his hometown in the municipality of Cabagan.

The former Energy Regulatory Commission chair, Isabela vice governor, and Cabagan mayor was married to the late Josefina Taguinod-Albano.

He was survived by their six children: Rodolfo lll, incumbent Isabela governor; Mari Sol Albano-Fernandez; Emmanuel; Mila Albano-Mamauag; Antonio; and Dr. Lourdes Martina Albano-Africa.

READ: Senate condoles with family of late Rep. Rodolfo Albano Jr.