House leaders extol Punzalan in necro rites

Leaders of the House of Representatives took turns yesterday afternoon in extolling the virtues of slain Quezon second district Rep. Marcial Punzalan Jr. as a leader and public servant during necrological services held for him at the session hall of Congress.

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte praised Punzalan as a "distinguished statesman and a dedicated public servant" who left a "legacy of dedication and commitment to public service which we should all cherish forever."

Former Speaker Manuel Villar described the assassinated Punzalan as "quiet and unassuming, whose wisdom and counsel were consulted on key political and national issues."

On the other hand, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Eduardo Ermita thanked the fallen solon for his "wise and sincere counsel, fellowship and leadership in floor deliberations and committee hearings."

Ermita also recalled Punzalan’s "deep involvement in the peace process, who led rebels in a balik-loob exodus to the fold of the government."

Rep. Rafael Nantes of Quezon’s first district said Punzalan had planned to run for governor, but had a last-minute change of heart to "just help his beloved wife, Lynette, win the post he was leaving."

Punzalan was on his third and final term when he was shot dead at the miting de avance of his wife on the eve of the May 14 elections at the Punzalan Sports Complex in Tiaong, Quezon.

His wife, Lynette, won by a landslide, said to be a "vindication of Rep. Punzalan’s integrity and dedication" as a public servant.

The New People’s Army’s Melito Glor Command owned up to Punzalan’s killing for his alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade. Punzalan earlier had vehemently denied those charges.

Punzalan had said that he would choose to die, cleared of the unfounded charges. Ironically, he got his wish — he was cleared by the Ombudsman of the charges just before he was assassinated.