MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Lord Allan Velasco was designated Wednesday as the legislative caretaker of the 1st District of Cebu City, following the passing of Rep. Raul Del Mar.
During Wednesday’s plenary session, Deputy Majority Leader Xavier Jesus Romualdo said Velasco’s designation was “upon the wishes of the late Raul del Mar as communicated by his family and constituency.”
Del Mar, who never lost an election since the 1980s, died on Monday evening. He was 79.
Velasco earlier said De Mar would have been a deputy speaker during his term as House’s top leader.
“Representative Del Mar proved his passion and commitment to public service by religiously attending plenary sessions and public hearings of the House of Representatives in order to fulfill his duties and mandate as a lawmaker. He had perfect attendance for the 27 years that he was a lawmaker,” Velasco said in a statement.
“The dedication of Congressman del Mar to public service is truly remarkable and serves as an inspiration to many. We owe him a debt of gratitude. He will be missed,” he added.