Edcel Lagman, a veteran Philippine lawmaker and president of the Liberal Party, has passed away at the age of 82. Lagman died of cardiac arrest at 5:01 p.m. on Thursday, January 30, his family confirmed in a statement.

“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,” said Tabaco City Mayor Kristel Lagman, his daughter.

Mayor Lagman added, “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.”

Lagman represented the First District of Albay in Congress for eight terms, serving from 1987 to 1998, 2004 to 2013, and from 2016 until his death. He also held the position of House Minority Leader from 2010 to 2012.

In 1998, Lagman ran for the Senate, narrowly missing a seat.

A lawyer by profession, Lagman was a staunch advocate for human rights, good governance, and social justice. He was the principal author of several landmark pieces of legislation, including the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act, the Human Rights Defenders Bill, the Anti-Red Tagging Bill, the SOGIE Bill, the Anti-Torture Act, and the Absolute Divorce Bill.

Tributes from Lawmakers

The House of Representatives expressed its condolences, describing Lagman as a respected and influential figure in Congress.

“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,” read a statement from the House.

“His absence leaves a great void, not just in Congress but in Philippine public service,” it added.

The Liberal Party, under his leadership, also paid tribute to Lagman, 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.”

“Mananatili kang tanglaw sa laban para sa mas maunlad, mas malaya, at mas makatarungang Pilipinas,” the party added.

Lagman leaves behind a legacy of legislative achievements and a lifelong commitment to human rights and justice. His passing marks the end of an era for one of the Philippines’ most prominent voices in human rights advocacy.

📷 Edcel Grex Burce Lagman FB