House mourns Congressman Escudero’s passing, flags flown at half-mast

House of Representatives. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/ARNOLD ALMACEN

MANILA, Philippines – Lawmakers are mourning the loss of Sorsogon Representative Salvador Escudero III, 69, who passed away in his sleep before dawn on Monday.

House majority leader Neptali Gonzales II said they considered Escudero’s passing a “great loss” to the House of Representatives, pointing out the latter’s effort to be present during regular sessions despite his battle with cancer.

Despite his ailment, Escudero showed up in a wheelchair to witness President Benigno Aquino III’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 23. Gonzales said they respected Escudero for his efficiency and intellect.

Escudero, father of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, was on his second term as representative of the first district of Sorsogon. He was also chairman of the committee on basic education and culture.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said the House will appoint an officer-in-charge to oversee Escudero’s district as it was too late to conduct a special election. The 15^th Congress is now on its third regular session.

Flags at the Batasan Complex have been lowered at half-mast in honor of the late legislator.

Escudero’s remains will be brought to Mount Carmel Church in New Manila, Quezon City within the day, according to House Public Relations and Information Bureau executive director Bernadette dela Cuesta.