Romualdez: Palawan solon Salvame’s death leaves big gap in Congress

MANILA, Philippines — House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said that the death of Palawan 1st District Rep. Edgardo Salvame leaves a big gap in Congress, as the late lawmaker advocated Palawan’s welfare.

Romualdez, in a statement on Wednesday, said that Salvame was more than a fellow lawmaker as he was a devoted public servant.

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“I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of our colleague and friend, Palawan 1st District Rep. Edgardo “Egay” Salvame. It is a personal loss for me and a huge loss for our community and the nation,” Romualdez said.

“Cong. Egay was far more than just a fellow lawmaker; he was a true advocate for Palawan, a devoted public servant whose compassion and dedication resonated deeply with those he represented. His commitment, integrity, and ceaseless effort to advocate for his constituents have profoundly impacted all of us fortunate enough to have known and worked with him,” he added.

Romualdez said that Salvame’s death creates a gap in Congress, as he leaves behind a good legacy of public service.

“His departure creates a significant gap in Congress, but even more so, it leaves a profound sense of loss within us. Egay was not just a colleague; he was a trusted companion and a source of inspiration, leaving behind a legacy of service that will be celebrated and remembered for years to come,” the Speaker said.

“To Cong. Egay’s family, friends, and the people of Palawan, my heart reaches out to you. During this challenging time, I hope you find solace in the vast respect, admiration, and affection Cong. Egay garnered. His life was a testament to purpose and service, devoted to the betterment of others,” he added.

READ: Romualdez, 2 other solons file resolution to probe power issues in Palawan 

Earlier, administrators of Salvame’s Facebook page posted a statement confirming the lawmaker’s death. According to the page, details of the interment will be announced.

“Sa ngalan ng pamilya Salvame, malungkot po naming ibinabalita ang di-inaasahang paglisan sa kabilang buhay ng ating minamahal na Congressman, Manong Edgardo ‘Egay’ Villagracia Lim Salvame, ngayong madaling-araw, ika-13 ng Marso,” the page’s administrator said.

(In the name of the Salvame family, we sadly announce the unexpected death of our beloved Congressman, Manong Edgardo ‘Egay’ Villagracia Lim Salvame, this early morning, March 13.)

“Manong Egay lived a life of purpose and adventures. Lumaki sa isla, nagsumikap na magtagumpay sa buhay, hanggang sa tinawag ng tadhana upang magsilbi sa ating bayan,” it added.

(Manong Egay lived a life of purpose and adventures. He grew up on an island and strived to succeed until fate called him to serve our country.)

Salvame was recently involved in calls to investigate Palawan’s power woes. On January 17, Romualdez said that he, Salvame, and Palawan 2nd District Rep. Jose Alvarez had filed House Resolution No. 1544, asking the House Committee on Energy to probe issues hounding the Palawan Electric Cooperative (Paleco).

The resolution cited rising power rates in the province starting last November, believed to be a result of the Emergency Power Supply Agreement (EPSA) entered by Paleco with Delta P, Inc. a month before.