THE House of Representatives leadership mourned the death of Cebu City First District Representative and deputy speaker Raul Velasco del Mar.

House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco has expressed sympathies to the bereaved family of Del Mar, who passed away on Monday evening, November 16, 2020.

Velasco said Del Mar’s dedication to the service is “truly remarkable and serves as an inspiration to many.”

“While in the hospital, Representative Del Mar still proved his passion and commitment to public service, attending virtual plenary sessions and public hearings of the House of Representatives in order to fulfill his duties and mandate as a lawmaker. Never a day in his job was he absent,” he said in a statement.

“His contributions to Congress and the nation cannot be overstated, having served a total of nine terms as congressman since 1987. He was a mentor to me and many others. He would have been a deputy speaker under my term,” he added.

Del Mar's family is yet to issue a statement on his passing. (SunStar Philippines)