Raul Daza, esteemed Northern Samar lawmaker, dies at 91

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Former Speaker Pro Tempore Raul Aguila Daza, a longtime lawmaker and former governor of Northern Samar, died at 91, his family announced Thursday.

"It is with profound sadness that our family announces the passing of our beloved Raul Aguila Daza. He peacefully passed away at 91 years old," said a statement released by his grandson, Northern Samar Rep. Niko Raul Daza.

Daza devoted more than five decades to public service, serving seven terms in the House of Representatives from 1969 to 2019 and three terms as Northern Samar governor from 2001 to 2010.

He also served as senior deputy speaker of the House, deputy minister of the Presidential Commission on Good Government, and commissioner of the Presidential Commission on Constitutional Reforms.

A lawyer and certified public accountant, Daza graduated cum laude from the University of the Philippines College of Law and placed 11th in the Philippine Bar examinations. His family said he was believed to be the first Philippine-educated professional to pass both the California Bar and CPA examinations.

Daza was a longtime Liberal Party member, which he joined in 1965. He served as party president from 1994 to 1998 and later chaired the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats.

His family described him as a "steadfast defender of democracy, justice and the rule of law" who stood by his convictions during martial law and political exile.

As governor and representative of Northern Samar, Daza helped lay the groundwork for the province's development, guided by his belief that communities long burdened by poverty could achieve greater opportunities and prosperity, the statement said.

“Despite the many colours of politics, he firmly believed that we have only one flag, and we have only one country,” his family said.

Wake details

Daza's wake will be held from Oct. 17 to 19 at The Chapels at Heritage Park in Taguig City. The Liberal Party will hold a tribute on Oct. 18 at 7 p.m., followed by a necrological service at the House of Representatives in Quezon City on Oct. 19.

His remains will then be brought to Catarman, Northern Samar, where services will be held at his residence and the provincial capitol gymnatorium from Oct. 21 to 24. A funeral Mass is scheduled for Oct. 24 at 1 p.m. at the Our Lady of Annunciation Cathedral in Catarman.

The family requested that mourners refrain from sending flowers and instead consider supporting the Foundation for the Diocese of Catarman, citing Daza's enduring concern for the people of Northern Samar.

Liberal Party stalwart

In a statement, the LP said, "Isa si Manong Raul Aguila Daza sa mga naging matatag na haligi ng Partido Liberal. Sa mahabang panahon ng kanyang paglilingkod at pakikibahagi sa ating partido, nanatili siyang bahagi ng kasaysayan at patuloy na paninindigan ng mga Liberal."

"Mula noon hanggang ngayon, si Manong Raul ay isa sa mga patunay ng diwang #HindiPasisiil—ang paninindigang hindi basta sumusuko sa mga hamon at patuloy na naglilingkod para sa bayan," it added.

ML Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima said Daza had been a "fatherly figure" throughout her journey in public service "and during the most challenging chapter of my life."

"Sa panahon ng aking di-makatarungang pagkakulong, hindi siya nakalimot. Bukod sa makailang beses siyang personal na bumisita sa akin, regular din siyang nangumusta, nagpadala ng mga libro, at mga sulat – nagpayo, nagsilbing gabay at nagpatatag ng aking loob na magpatuloy sa laban," she said.

"Higit sa pagiging maaasahang kapartido, tapat siya sa pagsisilbi sa ating mga kababayan. Sa mahabang panahon ng kanyang paglilingkod, nanatili ang kanyang integridad, malasakit at matapang na paninindigan," De Lima added. —LDF, GMA News