Former Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Romualdez on Sunday expressed sadness at the passing away of former House Speaker Prospero Nograles, saying he was a great loss.
Romualdez, president of the Philippine Constitution Association and the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, and his wife, Leyte Rep. Yedda Romualdez, said Nograles had been one of the most respected leaders of Congress.
“Speaker Nogie’s dedicated public service and brilliant leadership are beyond question, said Romualdez who is joining the congressional race in the May 13 midterm elections.
“This is a very painful moment for the Nograles family, and we offer our prayers that our Dear Lord comforts them in this very difficult time. He is a big loss.”
Said Yedda Romualdez: “Our prayers and condolences, hoping the outpouring of love and support will somehow give comfort to the family at this very difficult time.”
The House of Representatives will hold necrological services for Nograles’ on Tuesday morning.
Said Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo: “It was my honor that he was Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2008 to 2010 during my presidency. I recall how much he was loved, not only by his fellow congressmen but, just as important, by the staff of the House whose welfare he cared so much about. We will miss him.”
Arroyo recalled that Nograles was very helpful to her when she was undersecretary of the Department of Trade and Industry in the late 1980s.
Nograles was then a first-term Davao City representative.
“He was very helpful to me when it was my task as trade undersecretary to navigate our department’s relations with Congress,’’ Arroyo said.
“We mourn the passing of former Speaker Prospero Boy Nograles and offer our deepest condolences to his loved ones and constituents. A bar topnotcher, he served for a long time in Congress.”