MANILA — Lawmakers across the political spectrum have paid tribute to Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman, who passed away at 82 on Thursday due to cardiac arrest.

His death marks the loss of a respected figure in Philippine politics, known for his unwavering commitment to human rights, social justice, and good governance.

Speaker Martin Romualdez described Lagman as a “passionate and fearless legislator,” whose sharp intellect and dedication earned him respect in the House of Representatives.

He lauded Lagman’s tireless advocacy, noting that while not everyone agreed with his views, his integrity and legal expertise were undeniable.

House blue ribbon committee chairman Joel Chua praised Lagman’s mastery of law and parliamentary procedure, while Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores recalled the congressman’s sharp wit and resilience, even in the face of legal setbacks.

Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera highlighted Lagman’s devotion to the underprivileged and his work as past president of the Rotary Club of South Triangle.

The Makabayan bloc and various party-lists, including Gabriela, Kabataan, and Akbayan, also expressed their sorrow, calling Lagman a “true statesman” and a “mentor” to many progressive legislators.

OFW Party-list Rep. Marissa del Mar-Magsino remembered him as a venerable lawmaker dedicated to human rights and social justice.

Liberal Party members, including former senators Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino, mourned the loss of their president, reflecting on Lagman’s principled leadership and personal sacrifices. Former Vice President Leni Robredo, who sought his counsel during her term, also paid tribute to his wisdom and public service.

Lagman’s legacy will continue through the causes he championed, including landmark laws on reproductive health and human rights. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) honored him for his work in promoting historical authenticity and truth.

As the nation mourns, lawmakers are committed to continuing the fight for justice and the welfare of the Filipino people, inspired by Lagman’s example.

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A huge toast is in store for the country’s best-ever showing in the Olympics and to the rest of the top performers of 2024 on Monday with the much-awaited staging of the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel.

Gymnast sensation Carlos Yulo is the star of the night as the well-deserved recipient of the Athlete of the Year award from the country’s oldest media organization under the leadership of its president Nelson Beltran, sports editor of The Philippine Star.

Yulo, the 24-year-old pride of Leveriza, Manila, carved out the Philippines’ first ever double gold medal during the Paris Olympics in a fitting highlight to the country’s centennial participation in the quadrennial showcase.

The historic feat deserves no less than a grand celebration in the biggest PSA Awards Night ever mounted by the sports writing community and co-presented by ArenaPlus, Cignal, and MediaQuest.

Awards proper starts at 7 p.m.

With the theme ‘Golden Year, Golden Centenary,’ the formal event that counts a total of 117 awardees, will have our treasured Olympians serving as the special guest of honor and to be recognized for their hard work and sacrifices in representing the Philippines at the highest level of sports.

Members of the Philippine team to the Olympics in the last 60 years will be represented by their respective batches and join the 2024 Olympic contingent to the French capital, along with the Paris Paralympic Games delegation in sharing center stage during the program made possible by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, PLDT/Smart, and Senator Bong Go, with support from the PBA, PVL, 1-Pacman Party List, Rain or Shine, Akari, and AcroCity.

Former Senator Freddie Webb, who played for the men’s basketball team in the 1968 (Mexico) and 1972 (Munich) Olympics, is the keynote speaker and will speak on behalf of all the Olympians.

Legendary weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, the Filipino athlete who broke the barrier when she gifted the country its first ever Olympic gold in Tokyo five years ago, will have her special moment in the star-studded affair as she will be formally enshrined in the PSA Hall of Fame. The 33-year-old Diaz is a four-time winner of the Athlete of the Year (2016, 2018, 2021, 2022)

Boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas will also be feted with the President’s Award for their bronze medal achievements in the Paris Games, while POC President Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino is the 2024 Executive of the Year for his continued hands-on leadership in guiding Philippines sports to bigger breakthrough and greater glory as magnified by the two golds and two bronzes in last year’s Olympics.

Meanwhile, the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines is hailed as the National Sports Association (NSA) of the Year, and joins June Mar Fajardo and Kevin Quiambao (Mr. Basketball), Jia Morado-De Guzman (Ms. Volleyball), Rubilen Amit and Carlo Biado (billiards), Melvin Jerusalem and Pedro Taduran (boxing), Daniel Quizon (chess), Rianne Malixi (golf), Tachiana Mangin (taekwondo), and jockey John Alvin Guce, Batang Manda, and Benhur Abalos (horse racing), who will all be handed out with Major Awards.

Also included in the year’s PSA honor roll are the NCAA and MVP Group of Companies for Special Award, 19 citations, and seven recipients of the Tony Siddayao Awards.

All awardees, officials, and guests who failed to personally get their invitations may claim it at the registration desk of the Centennial Hall of the same venue.