Edward Hagedorn dies at 76

Palawan 3rd District Rep. Edward Hagedorn. Photo from congress.gov.ph/website

MANILA, Philippines — Palawan 3rd District Rep. Edward Hagedorn died on Tuesday morning, according to an announcement on his official social media page. He was 76.

No other details about his passing were shared on Hagedorn’s official Facebook page or by his office except that the politician “died peacefully” at 4:09 a.m.

“With heavy hearts, we inform you of the passing of a beloved friend, brother, husband, father, and public servant, Edward Solon Hagedorn,” the Facebook post reads.

READ: Edward Hagedorn: Gangster type now nature’s champ

“Cong. Ed’s life speaks volumes, particularly in his role as a champion for the environment, tourism, agriculture, and peace and order. His efforts created inclusive spaces for the community and inspired a collective desire for change. It’s hard not to be infected by his energy and laughter, which he freely shares with everyone he encounters,” it also says.

The social media announcement further noted that the family has yet to discuss any public service arrangements for Hagedorn, but promised to make the public informed as soon as details are finalized.

Hagedorn was first elected as mayor of Puerto Princesa City in 1992.

Despite finishing three consecutive terms in June 2001, Hagedorn was able to occupy the position again for another year because of a September 24, 2002 recall initiative by barangay leaders against his successor.

Under the 1987 Constitution, local officials are bound to a term limit of three consecutive three-year terms but recall elections are allowed by Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of the Philippines.

A recall election can be done through a petition of at least 25 percent of the registered voters in the concerned local government unit.

The Supreme Court, in a landmark decision in November 2002, also ruled that Hagedorn could serve the unexpired term of the ousted mayor, getting three more terms until 2013.

Known as an environmental champion, Hagedorn spearheaded efforts that made Puerto Princesa City a Hall of Fame awardee for the country’s cleanest and greenest city in 1994.

In 2012, the Puerto Princesa Underground River became officially one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, along with the Amazon rainforest, Vietnam’s Halong Bay, and Argentina’s Iguazu Falls.

Hagedorn ran but lost in the 2013 senatorial election.

In 2022, Hagedorn returned to politics a Palawan’s 3rd district representative.

A biopic based on Hagedorn’s life, starring the late action star Fernando Poe Jr., hit the theaters in 1996.

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