The House of Representatives on Thursday held a memorial service to honor incumbent and former House members and employees who passed away this year amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Speaker Lord Allan Velasco led the tribute to former President and Deputy Speaker Benigno Simeon Aquino III, Deputy Speaker Pablo Garcia, as well as Antipolo Rep. Resurreccion Acop, Cebu Rep. John Henry Osmeña, and Albay Rep. Victor San Andres Ziga at the plenary hall inside the Batasang Pambansa complex in Quezon City.
The House also paid homage to 26 other members from previous Congresses and 23 House employees who passed on this year.
In his eulogy, Velasco condoled with the bereaved families of departed former members and employees of the House of Representatives.
“We are gathered here together, finally, after many months, to take these griefs back; to take back our capabilities to physically sympathize with one another. And more importantly, we are here to honor these venerable public officials and employees who left us with their enduring legacy of public service to our country,” he said.
Velasco said the memorial service was offered not only to mourn but also to celebrate the lives of departed House members and employees.
“We cherish the moments they spent on public service, crafting relevant laws, engaging in plenary debates, touching the lives of their constituents, especially the poor and the deprived. We cherish those moments because it made our lives a little better than it was. The Philippines is all the richer because you, their family, shared their life with us,” Velasco said.
The legislative chamber traditionally holds necrological services for each legislator, but because of the safety and health restrictions stemming from the pandemic, it decided to organize just one memorial service honoring those who died these past few months.
Velasco presented the framed Oath of Office, Legislative Performance Record, and Resolution of Condolence to the families and allies of the five deceased former House members. (PNA)