Manila, Feb. 5 -- House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Wednesday paid tribute to the late Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, whom he honored as "a true statesman" dedicated to democracy, human rights and progressive legislation.

"Today, we gather not merely to mourn the passing of a legislator but to honor a life devoted to the unrelenting pursuit of justice, the unwavering defense of democracy and the fearless exercise of principle," Romualdez said in his eulogy during the necrological service at the House of Representatives Plenary Hall.

"To speak of Edcel Lagman is to speak of a statesman in the truest sense of the word. He was a man of deep conviction, unafraid to stand alone when necessary, and unyielding in his belief that governance...