Political foes, allies hail Edcel Lagman’s contributions to PH

Political foes, allies hail Edcel Lagman’s contributions to PH

/ 10:01 PM January 30, 2025

Edcel Lagman

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman — FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman was not shy about voicing his opposition or support for measures discussed in the House of Representatives, which meant that he had disagreements with other officials during his long public service career.

However, as news of Lagman’s passing spread on Thursday, personalities in Philippine politics paid tribute to one of the sharpest minds ever to enter Congress.

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House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, whose pet measures were often criticized by Lagman, acknowledged the late lawmaker’s “tireless dedication” to different causes like human rights and social justice.

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“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel C. Lagman. He was more than a colleague — he was a passionate and fearless legislator whose presence in the House of Representatives commanded respect,” Romualdez said in a statement.

“Cong. Edcel was known for his sharp intellect, unwavering principles, and deep commitment to the causes he believed in. Whether one agreed with him or not, no one could deny his dedication to his work and his tireless advocacy for human rights, good governance, and social justice. His voice — always firm, always eloquent — pushed important debates forward and challenged us all to think more critically and act more decisively,” he added.

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Lagman’s death, Romualdez said, leaves a “great void” in Philippine public service.

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“On behalf of the House of Representatives, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues in the Liberal Party. May they find comfort in knowing that Cong. Edcel’s legacy of service and integrity will endure,” he added.

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Lagman and Romualdez were once party-mates at Lakas-CMD. However, even with these ties, Lagman strongly opposed several measures that Romualdez supported, like calls for an economic charter change to open certain industries in the country to foreign ownership.

Lagman said he believed foreign direct investments could enter the country without amending the 1987 Constitution, as changing provisions may risk the country’s patrimony.

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READ: No need for Cha-cha to spur economy, says lawmaker 

Lagman was also vocal against the Maharlika Investment Fund, saying that discussions about the measure should not be rushed.

READ: Lagman to Romualdez: Don’t rush Maharlika fund discussions 

Despite the disagreements, Lagman commended the House of the 19th Congress. In May 2022, when House Bill (HB) No. 9349, or the proposed Absolute Divorce Act, was approved with 131 lawmakers voting in the affirmative, 109 in the negative, and 20 abstentions, Lagman thanked the leadership for allowing a “conscience vote.”

Lagman said no one can deny that the House of the 19th Congress was really working hard.

Other foes, friends

Despite being both from Albay, Lagman and Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda often disagreed on political and economic policy, including economic charter change.

In June 2023, Lagman said the complaints of Salceda regarding Mayon Volcano’s non-inclusion in the country’s tourism campaign was a mere political soundbite, saying in a letter addressed to Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco that he agreed that the country’s tourism campaign was not yet final.

READ: Salceda’s rage on Mayon’s DOT campaign omission a political soundbite — Lagman 

Even with the differences, Salceda said “it was an honor to serve Albay alongside Lagman.”

“He was always formidable. Condolences to the family, and may he rest in peace,” he added.

Other lawmakers from the Majority bloc also praised Lagman, a member of the Minority and president of the opposition party Liberal Party (LP).

“I deeply mourn the passing of Congressman Edcel Lagman, one of the sharpest and most brilliant minds in Congress. His mastery of the law and parliamentary procedure was truly awe-inspiring. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and constituents during this difficult time,” Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua said.

“Atty. Edcel Lagman, whether defender or devil’s advocate, served the Filipino people, the country, and the law to the utmost. Many tried and failed to outsmart him. But he also took legal losses with his head held high,” Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores said.

According to Flores, Lagman debating with other lawmakers was a sight to behold.

“I always admired watching him debate with other lawmakers—his mastery of the law, his sharp wit, and his unwavering principles made him a formidable figure in the halls of Congress,” he said.

“Every Filipino owes a great debt of gratitude to Edcel Lagman for his public service and to his beloved family for sharing their patriarch with us, the people he deeply loved,” he added.

Fighting up to his last months

One of the last instances that Lagman was seen in public was when the divorce bill was approved on third reading in May 2024.  Lagman, despite visibly having difficulty walking or standing for hours, defended the measure from a long line of interpellators who opposed his bill.

At one point, Lagman asked divorce critic and Baguio Rep. Mark Go if people have to wait for wives to die before giving them a chance to get out of toxic marriages.

“For example, if a wife is being threatened almost daily with abuse and cruelty and could lead to her death, why wait until the wife is dead before she could secure freedom from a toxic and dangerous relation?” he asked.

READ: Lagman to divorce naysayers: Will we wait for abused wives to die? 

Despite their differences regarding divorce, Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. and Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez praised Lagman for remaining firm with his principles.

“While we may not have always stood on the same side of every issue, I always had deep respect for his convictions, his intellect, and his desire to serve our people. He was a true public servant—one who fought relentlessly until his last breath for what he believed would uplift the lives of Filipinos,” Abante said.

“Rep. Lagman was a man of principle, a formidable and articulate debater whose passion for his many causes was matched by his preparation. He was also a dignified and gracious statesman; even when he disagreed with his colleagues, he was never disagreeable—and there was never a doubt that his heart was always with the people he sincerely served,” he added.

Rodriguez, a lawyer like Lagman, called the latter as the “foremost legal luminary in Congress.”

“My sincerest condolences to the family of our dear colleague Cong. Edcel, our foremost legal Luminary in Congress.  We debated on various issues and he was always prepared both because of his stock knowledge of the law and he studied and researched on the bills on deck in the Committees and in the Plenary,” Rodriguez said.

“Since he was thorough in his presentations and arguments it was difficult debating with him.  He is uncompromising in his positions which he backed up with the law and the facts. We will certainly miss his sharp mind and wit.  May he rest in eternal peace,” he added.

Over the next months, there were talks that the lawmaker suffered a medical emergency. Lagman’s presence was missed by several reporters, as he often acted as devil’s advocate during budget deliberations, being a former head of the House committee on appropriations.

Lagman was also at the helm of LP during one of its most difficult times: after presidential bet Leni Robredo lost in the 2022 national elections. Despite coming off successive losses, Lagman remained optimistic that one day, LP would be back from the ashes.

READ: ‘Babalik tayo’: New LP president Lagman vows to lift party from ashes of poll defeats 

Another instance which Lagman voiced his opinions, despite his failing health, was during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 2024 State of the Nation Address (Sona).

Despite being on opposing sides — Lagman was an activist during the term of Marcos’ father, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. — the lawmaker said the Sona was well-delivered, as issues that needed to be addressed were tackled.

Lagman said, however, that there were details not touched on by the President, like how measures that Marcos mentioned would be implemented.

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READ: Lagman on martial law: No forgiveness without remorse from implementers 

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