Quirino governor passes away

CABARROGUIS, Quirino, Philippines — Quirino Gov. Dakila Carlo Cua died on Tuesday at the age of 48.

The provincial government has yet to release details about the cause of Cua’s death.

Born on Nov. 4, 1977, Cua began his political career when he was 23 years old, serving as vice governor from 2001 to 2007 before completing his first term as governor from 2007 to 2010. 

He returned to the provincial capitol in 2019, serving continuously until his death.

Prior to his second gubernatorial stint, Cua represented the lone congressional district of Quirino in the House of Representatives from 2010 to 2019.

He authored the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion or TRAIN Law and Republic Act 230, which established the Quirino State University. He co-authored the Rice Tariffication Law and the Ease of Doing Business Act.

Cua, eldest son of former governor Junie Cua and Maria Angela Enriquez-Cua, is survived by his wife, incumbent Quirino Rep. Midy Cua, and their three children. 

Flags at municipal halls and public offices across the province have been lowered to half-mast to honor Cua.

The House of Representatives has expressed sadness over the passing of Cua, concurrent chairman of the League of Provinces of the Philippines.

“For those of us who knew and worked with Dax, we mourn more than the loss of a leader. We mourn a colleague whose commitment to public service has touched so many lives,” Speaker Faustino Dy III said yesterday.

“We remember Gov. Dax for his years of dedicated public service and his commitment to the people of Quirino, and to strengthening local governance in the Philippines and across the Asia-Pacific region,” the House posted on social media yesterday. 

Sen. JV Ejercito, a colleague of Cua in the House from 2010 to 2013, expressed sadness over the loss of a “very good friend.”

“Rest in peace, Dax – one of the nicest, gentlest and most unassuming public officials,” Ejercito said.

The United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific, which Cua headed, described him as a steadfast leader and a passionate advocate for local governance. – Delon Porcalla