"He died a true public servant."
Days before Christmas, we were shocked and deeply saddened by the death of one of most active and vocal legislators and a member of the Minority, our dear Congressman Rodel Batocabe. Rodel joined the Minority this year and displayed his dedication to public service. He was Vice Chairman of several Committees—Dangerous Drugs, Good Government and Public Accountability, and Natural Resources. Rodel was known to be kind and amicable to everyone—to his colleagues and staff members.
Congressman Rodel was set to run as Mayor in Daraga in the coming 2019 elections. In this context, I firmly believe that there is no place for violence in the exercise of suffrage and democracy.
I call on the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies to hasten its investigation so that the perpetrators of this unspeakable crime be brought to justice
It is unfortunate that 2018 is leaving us with heavy hearts. But as we approach the new year, I will assure you that we will be more active in discussions and legislative investigations. We are on the last stretch in the 17th Congress. Election period will soon commence. In memory of Congressman Rodel Batocabe, who died a true public servant, I fervently call for an honest, and violence-free election.