FORMER Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Sunday expressed condolences over the passing of Antipolo City Rep. Romeo M. Acop, paying tribute to his crucial role as senior vice chairman of the House Quad Committee (Quad Comm), where he helped steer complex and politically sensitive inquiries with discipline, fairness, and respect for due process.
Romualdez, a lawyer from the University of the Philippines (UP), said Acop’s death is a significant loss to the House of Representatives and to the country, whose work helped strengthen congressional oversight and accountability, particularly at a time when principled and committed leadership is most needed.
“We mourn the passing of Representative Romeo Acop, a dedicated public servant who lived with discipline and integrity and remained unwavering in his commitment to serve the Filipino people,” Romualdez said, remembering Acop as a hardworking House leader who devoted his life to public service.
Acop was a lawyer and former police general.
Romualdez credited Acop’s leadership in the House Quad Comm, saying the Antipolo lawmaker helped steer some of the chamber’s most complex and politically sensitive inquiries with firmness, fairness, and professionalism.
“As one of the Quad Comm leaders, Chairman Acop handled every investigation with a clear purpose and full respect for due process. He believed the House should always use its oversight powers responsibly, grounded in facts and the search for truth,” Romualdez said.
The former Speaker added that Acop’s background in public service and law enforcement was evident in the way he conducted Quad Comm hearings, describing them as methodical, disciplined, and firmly anchored on accountability rather than theatrics.
“He was firm but fair. He asked the hard questions, but always within the bounds of decency and institutional respect. That kind of leadership elevated the credibility of the committee and the House itself,” he said.
Romualdez added that beyond his role in high-profile investigations, colleagues widely respected Acop for his quiet work ethic and his consistent attention to legislative duties.
“He never chased headlines. He showed up, did the work, and stayed true to the belief that public office is a public trust,” he said.
Romualdez extended his condolences to Acop’s family, friends, and constituents, saying the late House leader leaves behind a legacy defined by the reforms he helped push and the standards he set in congressional oversight.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and with the people of Antipolo City. May they find comfort in knowing that his service mattered, and that his contributions—especially to the work of the Quad Comm—will not be forgotten,” Romualdez said.
