THE House of Representatives on Thursday held a Requiem Mass and thereafter, a Necrological Service to honor former Deputy Speaker and Nueva Vizcaya Lone District representative and governor Carlos Padilla who passed away last May 5.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, in his eulogy conveyed by Deputy Speaker Camille Villar, described the late Carlos Padilla as “a seasoned statesman, (who) exhibited a sterling lineup of accomplishments which elevated the standards of public service. His impressive political career spanned five decades, nearly 30 years of which he served as an accomplished legislator.” The Speaker also took note of the late Rep. Padilla’s advocacy for education, culture, and environment, attributing this to the deceased teenaged years as an active student leader.
Former Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. recalled how important the departed former legislator was to his first attempt at the Speakership, ““In 2001 during the most crucial moments of the 11th Congress, where I ran as Speaker, his friendship and support was pivotal in securing our victory. As a recognition of his leadership, we elected Caloy as Deputy Speaker for Luzon.” He saw the leadership of the late Carlos Padilla as Deputy Speaker in the 16th Congress as invaluable, through which the House “approved many life-changing pieces of legislation from 2013 to 2016.”
“Soft spoken but firm. Caloy commanded respect from his fellow legislators here in the House,” former Speaker Belmonte said.
He expressed his gratitude to the former Governor, who agreed when Speaker Belmonte asked Rep. Padilla if Mrs. Padilla can head the Congressional Spouses Foundation.
Former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. enumerated the responsibilities the late former Rep. Padilla took on at the House of Representatives, “he served as Deputy Speaker, Minority Leader and member of the powerful Commission on Appointments and the House Electoral Tribunal … whose principles and convictions shaped the national discourse.”
Others who paid tribute were former Rep. Saturnino “Satur” Ocampo, Gerardo Calderon, Samuel Verzosa Jr., Reps. Edcel Lagman and Eduardo “Br. Eddie” Villanueva, House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, and Sen. Robinhood Padilla.
Mrs. Padilla characterized the 29 years of his husband’s stay at the House of Representatives as “fruitful, memorable, and wonderful.” She also recalled how her husband was supportive and helpful, especially to neophyte lawmakers. ”Si Carlos po hindi madamot na mag-share ng kaniyang katalinuhan. “Si Senator Imee Marcos, nung congresswomen pa po siya, pag siya ay magpri-privilege speech, pupunta muna siya sa Manong Caloy niya. May mga konting comments po si Carlos, konti lang naman. Pagkatapos ni Imee magsalita balik siya sa Manong Caloy niya.”
She said her husband would then give a thumb up sign upon seeing then Rep. Marcos. “(Sina) Vicky Locsin, Mary Ann Cua, and Grace Singson, first time po nila maging congresswomen and Carlos offered that every 3p.m., (for them) to come to his office and tutored them about lawmaking,” Mrs. Padilla said.
House Deputy Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary and Public Affairs Department Atty. Grace Andres opened the Necrological Service with the prayer.
The late Gov. Padilla is survived by his wife, Ruth and their children Jojo, Ruthie Maye and Carlo Paolo.
