Seasoned lawmaker Edcel Lagman dies at 82

Seasoned lawmaker Edcel Lagman of Albay passed away on Thursday afternoon due to cardiac arrest. He was 82.

Lagman is dubbed the "Father of the RH Law" or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012.

In a statement, his family confirmed that the Liberal Party's president died at exactly 5:01 in the afternoon on Thursday.

"He left this world the way he lived his life — with integrity, compassion, and fearlessness. He fought until the end with the dogged determination, tenacity, and unshakable hopefulness that defined all that he stood for," the statement reads.

“He will be remembered and honored by his family, friends, and colleagues as a remarkable and generous father; a warm, thoughtful, and loving brother, uncle, and lolo; a true and loyal friend; and an upright, principled, and unwavering advocate of human rights and the rule of law," it added.

Lagman had represented the First District of Albay in the House of Representatives for eight terms: from 1987 to 1998, then from 2004 to 2013, and from 2016 to present.

Aside from the RH Law, Lagman had also tirelessly pushed for the legalization of absolute divorce in the country, which the House passed in May last year.

The once-ruling LP lamented that the country lost a courageous public servant.

"In his long career as a human rights lawyer and legislator, he has tirelessly fought for victims of abuse, the health and well-being of women, youth, and LGBT people, and honest and good governance. In his absence, the Philippines has lost a sharp, hardworking, and courageous public servant," the LP stated in Filipino in a statement.

Speaker Martin Romualdez stressed that Lagman's passing "leaves a great void, not just in Congress but in Philippine public service."

"He was more than a colleague — he was a passionate and fearless legislator whose presence in the House of Representatives commanded respect," he said.

The House chief continued, "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."

Fellow Bicolano, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, said he is "honored" to serve the province alongside Lagman.

Meanwhile, Manila Rep. Joel Chua, also a lawyer, labeled Lagman one of the "most brilliant minds in Congress."

"His mastery of the law and parliamentary procedure was truly awe-inspiring," Chua said.