Palawan Rep. Edgardo 'Egay' Salvame passes away

Palawan Representative Edgardo "Egay" Salvame has passed away, his family said in a statement.

"Manong Egay lived a life of purpose and adventures. Sa maiksing panahon na siya'y ating naging Congressman, sinikap niyang gawin ang lahat ng kanyang makakaya upang magdala ng liwanag, tulong, pagbabago, pagmamahal at kalinga sa bawat isang Palawenyong kanyang sinumpaang tulungan. Siniguro niyang masimulan ang kanyang mga ipinangakong programa para sa bayan," Salvame's family said in a statement.

(During his short stint as a legislator, Manong Egay persevered in doing what he could to bring aid, care and love to his constituents. He ensured that the projects that will benefit his constituents will gain ground.)

The statement said Salvame died on Wednesday morning but did not state the cause.

"Hinihiling ng pamilya ang inyong mga panalangin para sa mapayapang pamamahinga ng kaluluwa ng ating minamahal na Congressman," the family said.

(The family is asking for your prayers for the soul of our beloved lawmaker.)

Speaker Martin Romualdez hailed Salvame as a true advocate for Palawan and a devoted public servant.

"His commitment, integrity, and ceaseless effort to advocate for his constituents have profoundly impacted all of us fortunate enough to have known and worked with him," Romualdez said in a separate statement.

Salvame's demise, Romualdez said, "creates a significant gap in Congress, but even more so, it leaves a profound sense of loss within us."

"Egay was not just a colleague; he was a trusted companion and a source of inspiration, leaving behind a legacy of service that will be celebrated and remembered for years to come," the Speaker said. —Llanesca T. Panti/KBK, GMA Integrated News