Romeo Acop, the congressman of Antipolo City, died on Saturday
Antipolo City 2nd District Representative Romeo Acop passed away at the age of 78 on Saturday night, December 20, 2025.
His death was confirmed on Sunday by his longtime colleague and friend, Antipolo 1st District Representative Ronaldo Puno, who also serves as the chairman of the National Unity Party.
Based on the report from ABS-CBN News, Puno expressed his sadness over the unexpected news about his friend.
In a statement, the NUP chairman said, “Our hearts are broken. He was a friend for more than 25 years and a devoted, courageous, honest public servant.”
Puno also shared that Acop had a successful kidney transplant in late November. It was said that the representative has been recovering well and is no longer confined to his bed.
“We were excited for his imminent return to us,” Puno added. After Acop was rushed from his residence to the hospital and declared dead on Saturday night, Ronaldo Puno confirmed the loss of the veteran lawmaker.
In a statement, House Speaker Faustino âBojieâ Dy III said that the House of Representatives is mourning the death of the Antipolo City Representative, who was an âhonest, brave, and principled public servant.”
For him, the late congressman was a model public servant who ensured that he stood for the rule of law and the people’s welfare in every task given to him.
“Malaking kawalan ang kanyang pagpanaw para sa Kongreso, para sa Antipolo at para sa sambayanang Pilipino,” the House Speaker said.
Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez also shared his thoughts on the death of his fellow lawmaker. The Leyte 1st District Representative said that Acop, as senior vice chairperson of the House Quad Committee, had a big contribution to the investigation of the alleged extrajudicial killings, illegal drugs, and illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators.
Romualdez described the Antipolo City Representative as someone who 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,” the former House Speaker shared.