Batanes Rep. Dina Abad passes away

MANILA, Philippines— Rep. Henedina Abad (Batanes) passed away on Sunday night.

Vice President Leni Robredo, also chair of the Liberal Party of the Philippines, was first to confirm Rep. Abad's passing in a Facebook post on Sunday. “You will be terribly missed, Congresswoman Dina Abad. The nation lost another treasure.”

Both Abad and Robredo are members of the former administration party.

The Liberal Party said in a statement on Monday morning that it will sponsor a mass at the Ateneo de Manila University College Chapel in Quezon City at 8 p.m. on Monday.

“Our LP leaders will deliver a eulogy after mass,” the statement further reads.

Sen. Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara also expressed his condolences for the loss of a "respected former colleague in the House," adding: "Our prayers go out to Sec Butch, Sec Julia and their family."  Florencio Abad was Budget secretary to President Benigno Aquino III. Julia was chief of the Presidential Management Staff.

Sen. Joel Villanueva fondly remembered Abad as his "Ninang." On his Twitter account, Villanueva added: "Indeed to live is Christ & to die is gain."

Abad was the chairperson of the House Government Reorganization Committee but she was booted out of the leadership position for voting in March against a bill to reimpose the death penalty. The move was initiated by House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas (Ilocos Norte), a former member of the Liberal Party.

Abad was also among the champions of the Reproductive Health law while the bill was still hurdling the Congress.

Other colleagues also expressed their mourning on Twitter:

I just learned that a wonderful colleague and progressive law maker passed away. Ill miss my Nanay in Congress. RiP Dina Abad.

— Teddy B. Baguilat (@TeddyBaguilatJr) October 8, 2017

Our deepest condolences to the family of Rep Dina Abad. She fought every battle like it was her last - with ferocity and integrity. #padayon

— Miro Quimbo (@miroquimbo) October 8, 2017

Rep. Dina Abad guided me like an elder sister during my previous terms in Congress.With respect & high esteem I remember her on her passing.

— Ruffy Biazon (@ruffybiazon) October 9, 2017

5th District of Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas in a statement recalled Abad as a "remarkable teacher and friend." He added: "She was a compelling inspiration to all of us for her brilliance, strength, and love for her people."

Abad is survived by her husband Florencio and four children, Julia, Pio, Luis and Patsy.