Antipolo lawmaker Acop, ex-quad comm member, 78

MANILA, Philippines — Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop passed away yesterday at a hospital in Antipolo City. He was 78.

The former police general died of a heart attack at the Assumption Specialty Hospital and Medical Center along Sumulong Highway.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear brother congressman Romeo Acop, a true-blue and brave public servant who carried with him his unwavering principles. He is the perfect example of one who has integrity in public service,” Speaker Faustino Dy III said.

“In every public office he held, he made crystal clear on what he stood for, and held the law and his principles for the sake of our countrymen, fully aware about his powers and responsibilities and never used these as a privilege,” the Isabela sixth district congressman added.

Acop served in the Philippine National Police for decades and rose to the rank of two-star general before resigning in January 2001.

He later entered politics and was elected to Congress in 2010, reclaiming the Antipolo seat previously held by his wife, pediatrician Resurreccion Acop, who died of COVID-19 in May 2021.

During his tenure in the House, Acop served as chairman of the committee on transportation, co-chairman of the quad committee, and was known for his perfect attendance in legislative sessions. He also previously headed the PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

Former House speaker Martin Romualdez, under whose leadership Acop served as a panel chairman, paid tribute.

“We mourn the passing of Representative Acop, a dedicated public servant who lived with discipline and integrity and remained unwavering in his commitment to serve the Filipino people,” said Romualdez.

“As one of the quad comm leaders, Chairman Acop handled every investigation with a clear purpose and full respect for due process. He believed the House should always use its oversight powers responsibly, grounded in facts and the search for truth,” Romualdez added.

The former speaker also noted that Acop was respected for his quiet work ethic and consistent focus on legislative duties.

“He was firm but fair. He asked the hard questions, but always within the bounds of decency and institutional respect. That kind of leadership elevated the credibility of the committee and the House itself… He never chased headlines. He showed up, did the work, and stayed true to the belief that public office is a public trust,” he said.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson also expressed grief over the death of his close friend.

Lacson and Acop collaborated during his term as PNP chief, when Acop served as director for comptrollership, in what he described as “earnest, sincere efforts to cleanse the police organization of scalawags and misfits.”

Acop’s colleagues in Congress likewise paid tribute to the late lawmaker and expressed their condolences.

“Congressman Romy was a statesman in the truest and noblest sense of the word. His life was a continuous offering of service to the Republic, anchored on discipline, integrity, and an unyielding belief in the rule of law,” Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur said.

“His contribution to the nation and service to his constituents will surely be felt by many as a great loss. He will be deeply remembered and sorely missed… May his soul rest in peace,” former Surigao Del Norte congressman Robert Ace Barbers added.

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon vowed to continue the legacy of his co-chair in the 20th Congress’ quad committee. — Artemio Dumlao