MANILA, Philippines - Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. is now caretaker of the second congressional district of Bohol left vacant by the death of Rep. Erico Aumentado last Dec. 25.
Belmonte assured Aumentado’s constituents that they would not be abandoned and their representation in Congress would continue.
It was not the first time Belmonte acted as caretaker of a vacant congressional district.
In January last year, he was caretaker of the fifth district of Negros Occidental following the death of Rep. Iggy Arroyo.
Aumentado, one of the senior opposition leaders in the House, died of pneumonia at a hospital in Taguig at the age of 72.
As chairman of the House ethics committee, Aumentado was working on improving transparency among lawmakers in filing their statements of assets, liabilities and net worth at the time of his death.
Aumentado also served for three consecutive terms as governor of Bohol.
During necrological services for Aumentado in December, Belmonte said: “The country lost one of the most exemplary public servants with the passing of Congressman Erico Aumentado.
“He was a very dear friend for whom I had the highest respect both as a colleague in Congress and in the writing profession.
“He was truly an outstanding solon – learned, dedicated, and principled. A gifted writer and newspaperman, Eric pursued his crusading spirit in politics, faithful to his oath and to the highest standards of public service.â€