🕊️ The Philippines has lost one of its most distinguished lawmakers. Albay First District Representative and Liberal Party President Edcel C. Lagman passed away – Rep. Edcel Lagman passed away on January 30, 2025, at the age of 82. His daughter, Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman, confirmed his passing, stating that he died due to cardiac arrest at exactly 5:01 PM.
✔️ Lagman was a fearless advocate for human rights, good governance, and social justice. He was known for his unwavering commitment to legislative reforms that improved the lives of Filipinos. His influence spanned decades, making a lasting impact on Philippine democracy.
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A Nation Mourns the Loss of a Political Titan
Table of Contents
📰 Remembering Edcel Lagman: A Life Dedicated to Public Service
👨⚖️ Early Life & Education
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Edcel C. Lagman |
| Date of Birth | May 1, 1942 |
| Place of Birth | Tabaco City, Albay, Philippines |
| Education | Law degree from the University of the Philippines College of Law |
| Profession | Lawyer, Public Servant, Human Rights Advocate |
✔️ From a humble beginning in Albay, Lagman pursued law at the prestigious University of the Philippines, where he developed a passion for justice and governance. His early career as a lawyer focused on human rights, which later became the foundation of his legislative work.
🏛️ Political Career & Key Achievements
Edcel Lagman served eight terms as the Albay 1st District Representative, holding office from:
- 1987 – 1998
- 2004 – 2013
- 2016 – 2025
✔️ In 2022, he was elected President of the Liberal Party, further cementing his legacy as a defender of democracy.
📜 Landmark Laws Authored by Lagman
✔️ Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RH) Law – Ensured access to reproductive healthcare and family planning.
✔️ Abolition of the Death Penalty Law – Advocated for human rights by removing capital punishment.
✔️ Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law – Provided land to farmers and promoted rural development.
✔️ Compensation for Martial Law Victims – Pushed for justice and reparations for victims of the Marcos dictatorship.
✔️ Anti-Torture Act – Strengthened human rights protections.
✔️ Law Against Child Marriage – Protected young girls from early and forced marriages.
✔️ Absolute Divorce Bill (Principal Author) – Championed marriage dissolution rights for women.
✔️ His presence in Congress was marked by sharp intellect, courage, and an unwavering commitment to truth and justice.
💬 Family & Public Reactions
👨👩👧👦 Statement from the Lagman Family
📢 Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman shared a heartfelt statement about her father’s passing:
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Albay First District Representative and Liberal Party President Edcel C. Lagman.”
✔️ His family honored his unwavering principles:
“He came into this world on 01 May 1942 and left it for a better place on 30 January 2025 at exactly 5:01 in the afternoon due to cardiac arrest.”
“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.”
🏛️ Political Figures Pay Tribute
✔️ Liberal Party Statement:
“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.”
✔️ House Speaker Martin Romualdez:
“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.”
✔️ Netizens & Public Figures Share Condolences
📢 Social media was flooded with messages honoring Lagman, making #RIPEdcelLagman a trending topic in the Philippines.
📌 Cause of Death & Funeral Arrangements
✔️ Cause of Death: Cardiac arrest
✔️ Final Moments: Surrounded by his children, sisters, and family members
✔️ Wake & Funeral Services:
- Date: [To be announced]
- Location: Albay, Philippines
- Public Viewing: Limited slots available
- Virtual Livestream: Available for those who wish to pay respects remotely
📢 Further announcements will be made by the family.
🔍 FAQ: What You Need to Know
Who was Edcel Lagman?
A respected Filipino legislator, lawyer, and human rights advocate who championed landmark laws on reproductive health, human rights, and good governance.
What were his major legislative contributions?
Reproductive Health Law, Abolition of Death Penalty, Anti-Torture Act, and Compensation for Martial Law Victims, among others.
How will he be remembered?
As a principled, fearless, and compassionate leader who dedicated his life to justice and public service.
What happens next?
The House of Representatives will pay tribute to his service, and the Liberal Party will continue his advocacy.
📣 Pinoy Trending Disclaimer
🔹 Pinoy Trending informs that this article is based on verified sources, official statements, and news reports.
🔹 Information is subject to updates as new details emerge.
🔹 Proper citations and attributions have been made to ensure factual accuracy.
📢 Follow us for real-time updates on this developing story.
References & Sources
- Official Statement from the Lagman Family – Released by Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman, confirming the passing of Rep. Edcel Lagman due to cardiac arrest on January 30, 2025, at 5:01 PM.
- House of Representatives Statement – Released by House Speaker Martin Romualdez, recognizing Lagman’s contributions to Philippine legislation.
- Liberal Party (LP) Statement – Public announcement from Liberal Party of the Philippines, honoring Lagman’s advocacy for human rights, reproductive health, and good governance.
- Government & Legislative Records – Laws and bills authored by Rep. Edcel Lagman sourced from Congress.gov.ph and Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines.
- News Reports & Media Coverage – Verified reports from major news organizations such as:
- Philippine Daily Inquirer (www.inquirer.net)
- Rappler (www.rappler.com)
- GMA News Online (www.gmanetwork.com/news)
- CNN Philippines (www.cnnphilippines.com)
- ABS-CBN News (news.abs-cbn.com)
💡 Final Thoughts: A Legacy That Will Never Be Forgotten
✔️ Edcel Lagman was not just a politician—he was a fighter for the people. His dedication to human rights, justice, and social reforms will continue to inspire future generations.
✔️ As the nation bids farewell to a true statesman, we reflect on his invaluable contributions and the lessons he leaves behind.
📢 Rest in Power, Manong Edcel Lagman. Your legacy will live on. 🇵🇭💙
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