“It’s this kind of courage and self-confidence that Lagman employs within the House, where he wields a kind of silent authority over even older colleagues … This is the kind of man and legislator Lagman is: loyal, dogged, daring, and unafraid.” – Rina Jimenez-David, Philippine Daily Inquirer, May 19, 2010

The Ƶ (UP) joins the nation in mourning the passing of lawyer, legislator, public servant, and human rights advocate Edcel C. Lagman, who died on January 30, 2025, at the age of 82. His life was a testament to the values he embraced at UP—excellence, public service, an unwavering commitment to truth and principle, and a deep sense of community.
Born on May 1, 1942, in Malinao, Albay, Lagman laid the foundation for his lifelong contributions at UP, where he earned his degree in Political Science in 1962, cum laude, and his Bachelor of Laws in 1966. As a student, he served as editor of the UP Law Register (1962–1963), managing editor of The Philippine Collegian (1965), and a councilor on the UP Student Council (1964).
A prolific columnist, Lagman wrote for The Manila Times, Sun Star Manila, Isyu Magazine, Good Morning Philippines, and the Philippine Daily Inquirer. He served as Undersecretary of the Department of Budget and Management (1986–1987), honorary chair of the Families of Victims of Involuntary Disappearance (FIND), chairman emeritus of the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD), and director of the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation.
Lagman left an indelible mark on Philippine history as a lawmaker and public servant. Representing Albay’s 1st District for eight terms from 1987 to 1998, 2004 to 2013, and 2016 until his passing, he chaired several major congressional committees and held key leadership roles, including Senior Deputy Minority Leader, Deputy Majority Leader, and Minority Leader. In the 17th Congress, he served as principal convenor of MAKATAO (Mambabatas Para sa Karapatang Pantao) and led the Magnificent 7 Opposition Bloc.
For decades, Lagman championed the rights of the poor, women, children, and marginalized groups, fearlessly advocating for critical and often controversial legislation. He was the principal author and proponent of landmark laws, including the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act, the SOGIE Equality Bill, the Free Tertiary Education Act, the Anti-Dynasty Bill, the Freedom of Information Bill, the Mental Health Law, the Maternity Leave Law, and the Safe Spaces Act. He also authored the Divorce Bill, the Human Rights Defenders Bill, the Prevention of Teenage Pregnancy Bill, the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law and its extension with reforms, the Compensation for Martial Law Victims Act, the Anti-Torture Act, the Free High School Education Act, and the Cheaper Medicines Act, among many others.
Over his distinguished career, Lagman received numerous awards for excellence in law and legislation, including a Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, from Bicol University. He was repeatedly recognized as Most Outstanding Congressman by The Philippines Free Press, the Consumer Welfare Foundation of the Philippines, and the Makati School of Journalism and the Arts. He received the Filipino of the Year Award from Isyu Newspaper, the Haligi ng Bantayog Award (2023), the UP Alumni Association’s Most Outstanding Alumnus Award (2022), and the Human Development Legislator Lifetime Achievement Award (2017). He was also a finalist for Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Filipino of the Year in 2012. Other distinctions included the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) Award (1999, 2008), the Golden Scroll Award for Public Service (2000), and the Mamamayan Ayaw sa Droga (MAD) Award (2000).
Internationally, Lagman was also recognized as an International Legislative Champion by the European Parliamentary Forum on Population and Development (May 2012) and the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (October 2012). He received the International EXCELL Award for Excellence in Leadership for Family Planning in January 2016.
Throughout his 29 years in Congress and his lifelong advocacy, Lagman remained a steadfast defender of human rights and social justice.
UP President Angelo Jimenez praised Lagman as a “stalwart of democracy” and a “fiscalizer,” as well as someone who is truly worthy of the title “solon” in reference to the ancient Greek statesman, lawmaker and political philosopher, who was known as one of the Seven Sages of Greece. “With his life, he demonstrated what it is to be a true Iskolar ng Bayan, embodying honor, excellence and selfless service to the people, especially those who have no voice,” said Jimenez of his fellow Alpha Phi Beta brod.
His legacy extends beyond the halls of government to the countless lives he touched and the causes he championed. He will be deeply missed, especially within the Ƶ, where his impact will continue to inspire future generations of lawyers, scholars, and public servants.