The family and members of the House of Representatives held a necrological service at the House of Representatives in Quezon City on February 5, 2025, to honor the late statesman, Albay First District Representative Edcel Lagman. Lawmakers and loved ones paid tribute to Lagman’s decades of service and advocacy for human rights.   Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News MANILA -- Colleagues bid their final farewell to the late Albay 1st District Representative Edcel Lagman in a necrological service held at the House of Representatives on Wednesday. 

The ceremony in the plenary hall honored his legacy as a legislator, advocate, and public servant, attended by congressmen, employees, and staff of the House of Representatives. 

House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, in his eulogy, reflected on their time together in the 13th Congress as members of the Lakas-CMD party.

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"The death of a colleague is already hard to take but to lose a colleague and a friend whom I have high respect is even more difficult. We may have different views on different issues but above all else, Congressman Edcel and I share fidelity to our sworn oath as public servants and our loyalty to our country," he said.

Libanan praised the late lawmaker’s unwavering commitment to human rights, good governance, and social justice, emphasizing his relentless fight for the passage of Reproductive Health Law. 

"I looked up to him as a senior legislator and admired his tenacity in pushing his advocacies. He fought tooth and nail for the passage of the controversial Reproductive Health Law and he never wavered on his convictions despite being the sole independent member of this 19th Congress," he added. 

Former Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. described him as “a man of unwavering integrity, principle, and conviction.”

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"Behind the landmark laws that he fought so hard for, he leaves us with his fondest memories of his wit, wisdom, and eloquence," Belmonte said. 

"You are finally home Edcel. Rest well, my friend. Your legacy is secure and you fight lives on," he added. 

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez also honored the late congressman’s decades-long service. 

"For decades, he walked these halls as both a legislator and a leader—sometimes in the majority, often in the minority, but always in the service of the Filipino people. His name became synonymous with progressive reform, human rights, and an independent Congress that held itself accountable to history, not just to the tides of politics," Romualdez said. 

He added that the congressman’s influence extended beyond legislation. 

"And yet, to remember him only for his legislative triumphs is to tell only half his story. Edcel was more than the sum of the bills he passed or the speeches he delivered. He was a mentor to many, a fierce but respectful opponent, and above all, a man who understood that democracy is built not on agreement but on dialogue, not on uniformity but on dissent. Maraming salamat, Edcel. Paalam at pagpupugay," he said. 

Speaking on behalf of their family, Tobaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman and eldest daughter of the late lawmaker expressed her gratitude to everyone and described her father as a tireless worker who was deeply passionate about his advocacy.

Remembering Edcel Lagman: Statesman, human rights defender 

"Today, he's is 82 years old and he has devoted all these years serving his constituents in the 1st district of Albay fiercely standing up for the powerless in being the voice of the marginalized sectors. Totoo si Papa, he was very passionate about his work and he loved his work tremendously," she said. 

Speaker Romualdez also presented a legislative memorabilia to the late congressman’s daughter. 

Following the necrological service at the plenary hall, another eulogy was held at the People’s Center, where Representatives Raoul Manuel, Arlene Brosas, France Castro, Rachel Marguerite Del Mar, Pablo Garcia, Joel Chua, Jonathan Keith Flores, Florida "Rida" Robes, and Rosana "Ria" Vergara shared their memories of Lagman, highlighting his contributions to the nation. 

A viewing was also held afterward, where Lagman’s colleagues each offered a white flower. 

Lagman’s interment will be on February 10 at Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina.