Tributes pour in for Lagman: ‘Guiding post’ in fight for rights
LEGAZPI CITY—The Philippine flag will be flown at half-staff across Albay from Feb. 3 to Feb. 7 in honor of its native son, Rep. Edcel Lagman, who died of cardiac arrest on Thursday at the age of 82.
Acting Gov. Baby Glenda Ong-Bongao issued Executive Order No. 10 on Friday directing government offices and public institutions in the province to pay tribute to Lagman for his dedicated service as representative of the first congressional district for a total of 29 years. He served from 1987 to 1998, 2004 to 2013, and 2016 until his death.
In the House of Representatives, tributes continued to pour in Friday for Lagman, a respected lawyer, activist and legislator known for his advocacy in human rights, education and social welfare.
Lawmakers belonging to the Makabayan bloc said they considered Lagman, the Liberal Party president, as a “close friend and ally” in their shared advocacy for human rights and democracy.
“Congressman Lagman was more than a colleague—he was a mentor and inspiration to many progressive legislators. His sharp legal mind and moral courage were instrumental in defending human rights and civil liberties, especially during the darkest times,” said ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro.
“Ka Edcel was not just an ally but a true brother in the struggle. His defense of human rights and democracy was an example of true public service,” said Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas.
‘Progressive policymaking’
Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel remembered Lagman for his principled stance on progressive but unpopular measures, such as his authorship of the Anti-Enforced Disappearance Act, adolescent pregnancy prevention bill and his support for divorce.
“He is a huge loss both to Congress and the country. His principles and lessons would forever serve as a guiding post for us who continue to fight for the rights and welfare of every Filipino,” he said.
Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, Lagman’s fraternity brother in Alpha Phi Beta and coauthor of the divorce bill, recalled his “sharp intellect, unwavering principles, and profound sense of duty that shaped the course of our nation’s history.”
“His name became synonymous with progressive policymaking as he authored and championed landmark laws that safeguarded human rights, protected civil liberties and advanced social justice,” Adiong added.
“More than his brilliance as a lawmaker, Cong. Edcel was a steadfast champion of democracy and human rights. He stood firm against tyranny, never hesitating to speak truth to power even in the most trying times. His courage was not just in words but in action. His dedication to the cause of justice was unwavering, even when it came at great personal cost,” he added.
“Many tried and failed to outsmart him,” said Bukidnon Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores. “But he also took legal losses with his head held high.”
Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera recalled how Lagman’s “mere presence made human rights violators tremble in fear … his booming voice, cracking wit and astute legal mind were his arsenal for holding the powerful accountable.”
“He was also a formidable force in budget scrutiny and deliberation, ensuring that public funds were allocated efficiently and in the best interest of the Filipino people,” Herrera added.
Members of the Liberal Party also mourned the loss of their leader, whom they described as a tireless champion of victims of abuses, women’s rights, youth and the LGBTQ+ community.
Leadership
“The guidance and love of our dear Manong Edcel lifted the party during a time of great challenge and bitter losses,” the party said in a statement. “We will always look for his clear voice that has provided clarity to complicated discussions, reminded us of our principles, and lightened our professional and personal problems.”
Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who worked with Lagman in the lower chamber when she represented Akbayan, vowed to pursue his legislative advocacies.
“I am immensely honored to have fought alongside [Lagman] in pushing for propeople legislation like the Cheaper Medicines Act, the Responsible Parenthood and reproductive health law, and quite recently, the proposed prevention of adolescent pregnancy bill,” Hontiveros said in a statement.
“Working with him throughout the years has taught me that we are never really alone when we stand up and speak out for what is right for our people and our nation,” she said.
“As an activist, he fought against martial law and the dictatorship. As a lawmaker, he advocated for the rights of women, children, LGBTQ+ persons and other marginalized sectors—even when doing so was misunderstood and unpopular,” Hontiveros added.
Wake, funeral
Lagman’s remains lie in state at Mt. Carmel Shrine in New Manila, Quezon City, and will be taken to the family residence in Bacacay, Albay, on Feb. 2.
He will be transferred to the St. John the Baptist Parish Church in Tabaco City on Feb. 4, and will be flown back to Metro Manila early morning of Feb. 5, with necrological services scheduled at the House of Representatives at 10:30 a.m. that day. He will be brought back to Mt. Carmel Shrine, where people can pay their last respects from Feb. 6 to Feb. 9.
Interment will be on Feb. 10 at Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City after the funeral Mass at 8:30 a.m. at Mt. Carmel Shrine.
