Edsel Lagman was a rare breed of statesman, isang tunay na tagapagtanggol ng mamamayan na buong tapang na ipinaglaban ang karapatang pantao at ipinagtanggol ang batas. His untimely passing is a great loss, not only for Bicol but for the entire nation, as he was one of the few lawmakers who stood unwaveringly for truth and justice. Sa isang pulitikal na mundo na madalas pinamumugaran ng pansariling interes at kompromiso, nanatili siyang matatag sa kanyang paninindigan, proving that true leadership is about service, not personal gain.
Throughout his career, Lagman was known for his sharp legal mind and relentless pursuit of constitutional integrity. Hindi siya natakot na kuwestiyunin ang mga batas, executive orders, o maging ang mga aksyon ng mga nakaraang pangulo na maaaring labag sa Saligang Batas, palaging dinadala ang laban sa Korte Suprema. His name is deeply embedded in Philippine jurisprudence, shaping landmark cases that upheld democratic values. Pabor man o hindi sa kanya ang hatol, nanindigan siya sa kanyang prinsipyo, proving that true leadership is not about winning every battle but about fighting for what is right.
Sa rehiyon ng Bicol, he was often compared to the late Senator Raul Roco—another brilliant and principled leader who prioritized the people’s welfare over political convenience. Pareho silang bihirang uri ng lider—hindi takot na magsalita laban sa katiwalian at kawalan ng hustisya. Leaders like them are now an endangered species in Philippine politics, kung saan mas nangingibabaw ang kapangyarihan at personal na ambisyon kaysa sa tunay na paglilingkod sa bayan.
Lagman’s defiance of political pressures was evident when he refused to align with the Duterte administration, kahit pa ang naging kapalit nito ay ang kawalan ng proyekto at pondo para sa kanyang distrito. Unlike many who prioritized political survival, he remained firm in his opposition, refusing to become a mere rubber stamp of the government. Ipinakita niya na ang tunay na estadista ay hindi natitinag ng panggigipit o gantimpala—he chose duty over privilege, honor over convenience.
As the election season approaches, muling nahaharap tayo sa isang mahalagang desisyon. The challenge before us is to seek leaders who embody the same integrity, courage, and wisdom that Lagman demonstrated throughout his career. Hindi natin dapat hayaang malinlang tayo ng mga pangakong walang laman at pulitikang puno ng panlilinlang. Instead, we must elect officials who will serve with sincerity and a deep sense of responsibility.
Real change begins when we choose leaders who uphold the highest standards of governance, mga taong handang maglingkod at hindi naghahangad na paglingkuran. Edsel Lagman’s legacy reminds us that principled leadership is not a thing of the past—it is a choice we must continue to make for the future of our nation.
