House to hold memorial services for late lawmakers, frontliners

The House of Representatives is planning to hold a memorial service not only for its lawmakers who recently passed away but also for frontliners who died fighting COVID-19, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said Monday.

Cayetano made the remark as the House mourned the passing of Senior Citizens party-list Representative Francisco "Jun" Datol Jr. earlier in the day.

In an interview with reporters, Cayetano expressed sadness over the death of Datol as well as of Camarines Sur Representative Marissa Andaya last July and even of Benguet Representative Nestor Fongwan last year.

"Nakakalungkot kung sino pa yung masisipag at talagang front and center, sila pa ang tinamaan ng tragedy during this time," Cayetano said.

"So we're actually planning a memorial not only for them but also [para sa] ibang frontliners na binawian [ng buhay] during this time," he added.

House Secretary General Jose Luis Montales confirmed the passing of Datol earlier in the day, although he said the House was still gathering information on the details of his death.

Cayetano remembered Datol as being "very, very active" in the activities of the House despite his old age and amid the threat of COVID-19.

"Si Cong. Datol, ayaw talagang magpapigil kahit na may edad na. Sabi nga niya, during these times of crisis, lalong kailangan ng representative ng senior citizen," Cayetano said.

"Sabi namin, 'Boss, pwede mo namang gawin yan through Zoom.' Pero kung titignan mo kahit anong Viber group na kasama siya, palagi siyang very, very active," he added.

Cayetano also took the opportunity to remind the public to strictly observe minimum health standards as "there's really been too many deaths."

At the House, three of the 39 reported cases of COVID-19 have already died after testing positive for the disease.

"Siguro reminder lang din sa lahat na if we can really stay at home, and if we cannot, keep social distancing, wear mask, maghugas ng kamay," Cayetano said.  -NB, GMA News