House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday condemned the fatal shooting of Director Mauricio “Morrie” Pulhin, a senior House official who was gunned down during his daughter’s birthday party in Quezon City over the weekend.

Pulhin, chief of technical staff at the House Committee on Ways and Means, was attending his 7-year-old daughter’s birthday celebration at a subdivision in Barangay Commonwealth on Sunday when two unidentified gunmen riding a motorcycle entered the venue and shot him at close range. A security guard was also fired upon as the suspects fled.

The 55-year-old congressional director was rushed to the FEU-NRMF Medical Center but was declared dead on arrival.

“I am deeply saddened and outraged by the tragic death of Director Mauricio ‘Morrie’ Pulhin,” Romualdez said in a statement. “His professionalism, integrity, and quiet commitment to his work earned him the respect of his peers and superiors alike. We condemn this brutal act of violence in the strongest possible terms.”

Romualdez called for a swift, impartial, and comprehensive investigation from law enforcement agencies.

“While it is too early to determine the motive behind this heinous crime, we call on the Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation, and all relevant agencies to pursue all angles—including but not limited to his professional affiliations—so that the truth may come out and justice may be served,” the Speaker said.

Romualdez also offered his condolences to Pulhin’s family and vowed support from the House leadership in seeking justice.

“We stand with you in this time of unimaginable pain. And we will do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible—whether gunmen or masterminds—are identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

According to Batasan Police Station Commander Lt. Col. Romil Avenido, the assailants had “clearly studied the area in advance.” Investigators recovered a fake identification card left behind by the suspects during their escape. The card’s registered owner was found and placed under custody but later cleared, with police confirming the ID had been reported lost two years ago.

“This was a well-planned crime,” Avenido told the DAILY TRIBUNE. “We have persons of interest, and we are looking into business rivalry as a possible motive, as the victim was engaged in the medical supply business.”

Authorities are now reviewing security footage and interviewing witnesses to track the killers.

Quezon City Police District Director Col. Randy Glenn Silvio also condemned the killing and announced the creation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to focus solely on the case.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and assure the public that justice will be served,” Silvio said. “All leads are actively being pursued.”

Romualdez, for his part, urged House employees and the broader legislative community to remain vigilant.

“To the men and women of the House Secretariat and our broader congressional family: we share in your grief and your anger. Let us channel that into vigilance, unity, and an unwavering demand for justice—not only for Director Pulhin, but for every Filipino who falls victim to senseless violence,” he said.

“This crime must not go unanswered. Justice must prevail.”

With Carl Magadia