Batanes Rep. Henedina Abad, 62

MANILA, Philippines — Batanes Rep. Henedina Abad, wife of former budget secretary Florencio Abad, died of cancer on Sunday. She was 62. 

Vice President Leni Robredo confirmed the passing of Abad in a post on Facebook, saying the country “lost another treasure.”

“You will be terribly missed, congresswoman Dina Abad,” Robredo, chairperson of the Liberal Party (LP), said.

Robredo also posted a photo of her and the congresswoman.

In a statement, the LP said a mass was set to be held for Abad at the Ateneo de Manila chapel last night.

Abad was representative of the lone district of Batanes for two terms – from 2004 to 2007 and 2010 to present. 

She was stripped of her post as chairperson of the House committee on government reorganization for voting against the death penalty bill.

“Our deepest condolences to the family of Rep. Dina Abad. She fought every battle like it was her last – with ferocity and integrity,” Deputy Speaker Miro Quim-bo, said. 

Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas remembers Abad as a teacher and friend. “She was a compelling inspiration to all of us for her brilliance, strength and love for her people. I pray that God’s choicest blessings will be bestowed on her and her family,” Vargas said. 

Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat said Abad was among the “fierce liberals” who led discussions that led to party positions on important issues such as reproductive health, freedom of information and political dynasties.

”She stood with us in registering a no vote during the death penalty debates...She will be sorely missed,” Rep. Tom Villarin of Akbayan party-list said. – Delon Porcalla, Helen Flores, Kurt dela Peña