Ex-Northern Samar solon Raul Daza passes away, family confirms

MANILA, Philippines — Former Northern Samar first district Rep. Raul Daza has passed away at the age of 91, his family confirmed on Thursday.

In a statement, Daza’s family said that the former lawmaker, who served the House of Representatives for seven terms between 1969 and 2019, peacefully passed away after more than five decades of public service.

“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. He was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, colleague, mentor, and friend,” Daza’s family said.

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“For more than five decades, he devoted his life to public service as a lawyer, certified public accountant, legislator, governor, and political leader. He served seven terms in the House of Representatives between 1969 and 2019, including as Speaker Pro Tempore and Senior Deputy Speaker, and three terms as Governor of Northern Samar from 2001 to 2010,” they added.

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According to his family, Daza will leave a “legacy of integrity, courage, humility, empathy and commitment to democracy” as he not only excelled in his fields of interests—being a bar topnotcher and a certified public accountant—but fought for democracy during some of the country’s darkest times.

Daza was a member of the Liberal Party (LP) for 61 years and became one of the lawmakers who questioned former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s martial law declaration, including the decision to abolish Congress.

He then went into self-exile after Marcos issued arrest orders for him and other lawmakers, flying to the United States—where he continued the fight against the dictatorship in California.

“A steadfast defender of democracy, justice, and the rule of law, he stood firm in his convictions through the martial law years and political exile. He was a member of the Liberal Party for 61 years, beginning in 1965, and served as its President from 1994 to 1998. He later chaired the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats,” Daza’s family said.

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“He was a man who genuinely put himself in the shoes of others. We will miss him dearly, but his life and principles will continue to guide and inspire our families and future generations. We express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has extended their prayers, condolences, and support during this difficult time,” he added.

Two years after democracy icon and former Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. was martyred at the Manila International Airport on Aug. 21, 1983, Daza returned to the Philippines and became a silent but important figure in preparing the LP for the 1986 elections.

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READ: Raul A. Daza, forever a Liberal

After the Edsa People Power Revolution, Daza held several government posts, including Deputy Minister of the Presidential Commission on Good Government and Commissioner of the Presidential Commission on Constitutional Reforms.

“As Governor and Representative of Northern Samar, he helped establish the blueprint for the province’s development, guided by his belief that a province long burdened by poverty could rise to a future of dignity, opportunity, and prosperity,” his family said.

“In the historic 8th Congress, the first under the 1987 Constitution, he spearheaded the drafting of the House of Representatives’ parliamentary rules, establishing an enduring institutional foundation that continues to guide succeeding Congresses,” they added.

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Daza’s grandson, Niko Raul Daza, is currently the representative of Northern Samar’s first district. Prior to the incumbent lawmaker, the post was held by Daza’s son, former Rep. Paul Daza. /cb