MANILA – House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez honored the late Albay Representative Edcel Lagman on Wednesday (05 Feb 2025) during a necrological service at the House of Representatives Plenary Hall, calling him “a true statesman” committed to democracy, human rights, and progressive legislation.

In his eulogy, Romualdez described Lagman as a man of conviction, steadfast in his principles and unafraid to stand alone in the pursuit of justice and governance for the marginalized.

“To speak of Edcel Lagman is to speak of a statesman in the truest sense,” Romualdez said, emphasizing Lagman’s legacy of advocacy for human rights, reproductive health, and good governance.

Romualdez highlighted Lagman’s pivotal contributions to landmark laws, including the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act, the abolition of the death penalty, and the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act. Despite the challenges these reforms faced, Lagman’s dedication to uplifting the forgotten was unwavering.

“Edcel was more than his legislative achievements,” Romualdez remarked. “He was a mentor, a fierce yet respectful adversary, and a defender of democracy through dialogue and dissent.”

Romualdez further reflected on the values that Lagman embodied: debating fiercely but fairly, disagreeing without dehumanizing, and holding true to principles in the face of power. He urged fellow lawmakers to emulate Lagman’s example of integrity and public service.

Concluding his tribute, Romualdez assured Lagman’s family that his impact would persist through the laws he championed and the principles he upheld. “Edcel Lagman does not belong to the past. His work, his words, and his wisdom belong to the future,” he said.

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MANILA – The Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) remains committed to its objectives of generating employment, enhancing public services, and elevating the standard of living.

In a statement issued on Sunday following the release of the updated implementing rules and regulations (IRR), House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez expressed optimism that the recent developments under the Marcos administration would lead to “a more resilient and secure economy,” with ordinary Filipinos poised to reap the benefits.

“The MIF, if managed independently and efficiently, has the potential to significantly contribute to the nation’s socioeconomic development, aligning with the broader goals of the government,” he remarked.

Romualdez anticipates that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will oversee the operationalization of MIF before the year concludes.

“This strategic move by the President underscores his vision for a more prosperous and self-reliant Philippines, where every Filipino can share in the nation’s economic successes,” he added.

The revised IRR, disclosed on Saturday, introduces several amendments to the provisions regarding the appointment of the Board of Directors of the Maharlika Investment Corporation.

The updated IRR mandates the Advisory Board to submit the list of nominees for vacant regular and independent director positions, as well as president and chief executive roles, within 30 days of their vacancy to the Office of the President.

It also introduces a new provision indicating that the President “may either accept or reject the recommendation of the Advisory Body” and “may require the Advisory Body to submit additional names of nominees.”

Enacted into law on July 18 this year, the MIF was established to optimize national funds by generating returns to support the government’s economic objectives.

The MIF will be utilized to invest in various assets, including foreign currencies, fixed-income instruments, domestic and foreign corporate bonds, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, and high-impact infrastructure projects contributing to sustainable development. (ai/mnm)