Congressman, human rights advocate Edcel Lagman passes away
Human rights lawyer and Albay 1st District Representative Edcel Lagman has died. He was 82.
Tabaco Mayor Krisel Lagman said her father, who was the Liberal Party President since 2022, died of cardiac arrest Thursday afternoon. His family, including his sisters and children, were with him during his final moments.
"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."
Mayor Krisel said her father will be remembered as an "upright, principled, and unwavering advocate of human rights and the rule of law."
"He will live on in our hearts and we will continue to honor his memory by living our lives the way that would make him proud," she continued.
The House of Representatives, through the Office of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, recognized Lagman's contributions to the country.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel C. Lagman. He was more than a colleague—he was a passionate and fearless legislator whose presence in the House of Representatives commanded respect. Cong. Edcel was known for his sharp intellect, unwavering principles, and deep commitment to the causes he believed in," the statement read.
"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. His absence leaves a great void, not just in Congress but in Philippine public service," it continued.
The Liberal Party paid tribute to its president, saying, "Sa kanyang mahabang karera bilang abogado ng karapatang pantao at mambabatas, walang kapaguran niyang ipinaglaban ang mga biktima ng pang-aabuso, ang kalusugan at kapakanan ng kababaihan, kabataan at LGBT, at ang tapat at mahusay na pamamahala. Sa kanyang pagkawala, nabawasan ng isang matalas, masipag, at matapang na lingkod-bayan ang Pilipinas."
The party also thanked him for his dedication. "Mananatili kang tanglaw sa laban para sa mas maunlad, mas malaya, at mas makatarungang Pilipinas."
The Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) also honored Lagman's memory.
"As the principal author of the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill, Rep. Lagman dedicated his life to safeguarding fundamental freedoms, standing alongside those who have been silenced, oppressed, and marginalized," it said.
"His unwavering commitment to justice, accountability, and good governance has left an indelible mark on the nation. From pushing for laws that protect human rights defenders to advocating for policies that uphold democracy and social justice, Rep. Lagman was a beacon of courage and integrity in Philippine politics," PAHRA said in a statement. "We have lost a tireless defender of rights, but his legacy lives on."
Lagman graduated cum laude from the University of the Philippines with a Bachelor of Laws (1966) and a Bachelor of Arts (1962).
He represented the First District of Albay for a total of eight terms, serving from 1987 to 1998, 2004 to 2013, and from 2016 to the present, and became the House Minority Leader from 2010 to 2012.
As a human rights defender, he principally authored the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act, Human Rights Defenders Bill, Anti-Red Tagging Bill, SOGIE Bill, Anti-Torture Act, and the Absolute Divorce Bill.