Misamis Oriental lawmaker succumbs to heart attack

Another member of the House of Representatives died after he succumbed to heart attack on Sunday, the fourth legislator to have passed away since the 14th Congress convened in July 2007.

House secretary-general Marilyn Yap confirmed the demise of Rep. Danilo Lagbas, a second termer from Misamis Oriental, who expired early morning over the weekend at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City. He was 56.

Lagbas was the fourth casualty after Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar died in the November 2007 Batasan bombing. Mountain Province’s Victor Dominguez succumbed to a heart ailment and Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran had a fatal accident when he fell from the roof of his house.

Beltran was replaced by his colleague Rafael Mariano, however, because he is the second nominee of the party-list group, he is therefore entitled to one seat in the lower chamber.

Lagbas, a businessman by profession who belongs to the ruling Lakas-CMD, is survived by his wife Purita and family.

“We were informed about the death of Congressman Lagbas last Sunday. And we understand that his remains were flown to his province,” Yap said. She added the family has requested to do away with the traditional necrological services at the House of Representatives.

Lagbas’ remains were flown to Cagayan de Oro City via Cebu Pacific before it reached his home province Misamis Oriental.     – Delon Porcalla