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LEGAZPI CITY — Members of the Philippine National Police accorded full military honors on the late Albay 1st District representative Edcel Lagman upon the arrival of the lawmaker's remains at the Bicol International Airport on Sunday.
Thereafter, Bicolanos from all walks of life paid tribute to the remains of the seasoned lawmaker of Albay.
Acting Albay Gov. Baby Glenda Ong-Bongao, along with provincial, cities and town officials, proceeded to the Bicol airport to see and pay tribute to the departed lawmaker.
FULL MILITARY HONORS Members of the Philippine National Police provide full military honors on the late veteran lawmaker Edcel Lagman upon the arrival of his remains at the Bicol International Airport on Feb. 2, 2025. PHOTO COURTESY OF MAYOR KRISEL LAGMAN
On Tuesday, Albayanos waved flags as his remains passed along the highway heading to his home in Barangay Sogod, Bacacay town where the first mass was held.
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Former vice president Leni Robredo paid tribute on Monday to the late lawmaker, considered the political kingpin and molder of young leaders in Albay.
Robredo recalled the fatherly support and guidance she got from Lagman during her vice presidency.
Former Albay governor and lawmaker and now Ligao City Mayor Fernando Gonzalez said that the demise of his old friend is a big loss not only in Albay but throughout the country.
Former governor Noel Rosal also expressed sadness over the death of one whom he admired for his brand of leadership.
"Maybe there were some people who were not with him in his style of leadership and in the delivery of services. But for me, I always admire his brand of workmanship," said Rosal.
"The things that he has achieved in the first district of Albay are unmatched, and as a legislator and representative of his district, he will be remembered as the one who made the difference and accomplished many that benefited not only the people of the first district but the entire country," added Rosal.
Rosal at the same time expressed gratitude to the late lawmaker for the establishment of Padang Bridge that connects the first district of Albay and the second district which is constantly destroyed by the rampaging debris of Mount Mayon and of flash flood associated.
"Thank you again for helping restore in 2009 the Padang Bridge destroyed by Typhoon Reming, because you knew then it's so important to connect the second and first district of Albay. My prayers and condolence to the bereaved family," Rosal said.
Lawyer Edwin Bellen, retired deputy Senate secretary, said the lawmaker is the true icon of Philippine democracy.
"Three days ago, we lost not just our representative in Congress, but a true icon of Philippine democracy — a man deeply respected and supported by the people he ably represented in Congress and by many from the various sectors and across party lines," Bellen said.
Bellen said that Lagman was a force as his voice resonated powerfully in the halls of Congress and a tireless champion of the people's rights.
"His voice resonated powerfully in the halls of Congress, a tireless champion of the people's rights. He was a fearless defender of democracy and freedom, never silenced, never wavering in his advocacy for genuine governance. A brilliant statesman, he stood unbowed before dictators and those who abused their power," he said.
According to Bellen, the first district of Albay was incredibly fortunate to have been served by such a patriotic public servant.
"Congressman Lagman was more than a representative; he was a father to distinguished children, a legislator par excellence, and a hero to the core. We mourn his loss, but we also celebrate the life and legacy of a true people's champion," Bellen said.
Lagman's body will be opened to the public for two days at his residence before transferring in Tabaco City.
