Batanes Representative Dina Abad passes away

Batanes Representative Henedina Abad has passed away Sunday night.

Deputy Speaker Miro Quimbo, the highest ranking Liberal Party member at the House of Representatives, confirmed Abad's passing on Twitter.

Our deepest condolences to the family of Rep Dina Abad. She fought every battle like it was her last - with ferocity and integrity. #padayon

— Miro Quimbo (@miroquimbo) October 8, 2017

A member of the Liberal Party, the wife of former Budget secretary Florencio Abad served as representative of the lone district of Batanes from 2004 to 2007 and from 2010 to present.

Abad was one of the 54 lawmakers who voted against the controversial death penalty bill, which cost her her chairmanship of the House committee on government reorganization.

Aside from her congressional stint, Abad was also the founding dean of the Ateneo School of Government.

Her colleagues, including Vice President Leni Robredo, took to social media to express their sympathies and condolences for the Abad family.

I just learned that a wonderful colleague and progressive law maker passed away. Ill miss my Nanay in Congress. RiP Dina Abad.

— Teddy B. Baguilat (@TeddyBaguilatJr) October 8, 2017

RIP Cong/Ninang Dina Abad ????Indeed to live is Christ & to die is gain. Prayers for Sec/Ninong Butch, Sec Julia & the entire family. God bless

— Joel Villanueva (@senatorjoelv) October 8, 2017

RiP Cong Dina Abad. A respected former colleague in the House. Our prayers go out to Sec Butch, Sec Julia and their family ????????

— Sonny Angara (@sonnyangara) October 8, 2017

The Liberal Party will sponsor a Mass at 8 p.m. on Monday at the Ateneo de Manila University, according to an advisory from Quezon City Representative Kit Belmonte.

Party leaders are also expected to deliver a eulogy after the mass. —ALG, GMA News