Cebu lawmaker Del Mar, 79

MANILA, Philippines — The representative of the first district of Cebu City, Raul del Mar, died on Monday. He was 79.

House secretary-general Jocelia Sipin confirmed the death of Del Mar yesterday.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his constituents in the first district of Cebu City whom he had served well. He was a mentor to me and many others. He would have been a deputy speaker under my term,” Speaker Lord Allan Velasco said.

“Del Mar proved his passion and commitment to public service by religiously attending plenary sessions and public hearings of the House to fulfill his duties and mandate as a lawmaker,” Velasco said.

He said Del Mar had a perfect attendance during his stint as a lawmaker.

“His contributions to Congress and the nation cannot be overstated...The dedication of congressman Del Mar to public service is truly remarkable and serves as an inspiration to many. We owe him a debt of gratitude. He will be missed,” Velasco said.

Del Mar represented the first district of Cebu City for nine terms or 27 years since the 8th Congress in 1987.

His daughter Rachel represented the same district from 2010 to 2013.