Rep. Antonio Abaya, 68

SANTIAGO CITY — Rep. Antonio Abaya (Lakas NUCD-UMDP) of Isabela’s fourth congressional district died yesterday morning of brain cancer.

He is survived by his wife, Asuncion Tayag Navarro, and children Antonio Jr., Ann and Alvin.

Abaya, 68, who underwent brain surgery last year, had been confined for several days at St. Luke’s Hospital in Quezon City.

Speaker Jose de Venecia mourned the death of Abaya, who he called a "major ally" in the House or Representatives.

"The House deeply mourns the death of Congressman Abaya, who helped us craft the political and economic reforms passed by the chamber," he said.

House Minority Leader and Nueva Vizcaya Rep. Carlos Padilla said: "He is one of the most responsible and brilliant members of the House. He is a big loss, not only to the people of Isabela, but to the entire country."

Isabela Rep. Faustino Dy Jr. said: "Despite political differences and party affiliations, Manong Tony is a respected senior leader of the province. He is a true public servant."

Starting out as a municipal secretary in 1963, Abaya was the longest-serving public official in Isabela.

After serving as vice mayor, Abaya became mayor of the then municipality of Isabela from 1971 to 1986.

In 1987, Abaya won as congressman and served for three consecutive terms.

He returned to the House of Representatives in 2001 after three years of political hibernation and defeat in the mayoral elections.

Abaya, chairman of the House committee on ethics, was responsible for the conversion of Isabela into a city, the first in Cagayan Valley.

Abaya also served as senior House deputy majority leader and chairman of the House committee on public order and safety. – Charlie Lagasca, Paolo Romero