Manila: In honor of the late Representative Romeo Acop, the House of Representatives adopted a resolution on Monday, expressing its 'profound condolences' to his family and honoring the life and service of the veteran legislator, who passed away on December 20 at the age of 78.
According to Philippines News Agency, Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' G. Dy III, House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, and House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan introduced House Resolution No. 601. The resolution acknowledges Acop's extensive service in government and his enduring contributions to public order, good governance, and the rule of law.
Born on March 11, 1947, in Sudipen, La Union, Acop was remembered by his colleagues as a devoted husband to the late Dr. Resurreccion 'Cion' Marrero Acop and a father to their three children, Philip, Reena, and Karla. Acop was a distinguished police officer and lawyer, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1970, and earned his Bachelor of Laws degree, cum laude, from Jose Rizal University in 1986.
After completing his military training from 1970 to 1991, Acop built a notable career in the Philippine National Police. He served as Chief Superintendent of the Criminal Investigation Service, now known as the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, from 1994 to 1995, and held key posts including the Directorate for Comptrollership. Acop received various commendations and service medals for his contributions to law enforcement and public safety.
In the House of Representatives, Acop represented Antipolo City's second legislative district during the 15th, 16th, and 17th Congresses from 2010 to 2019, and returned to the House in the 19th and 20th Congresses from 2022 until his death. As a lawmaker, Acop held significant positions, including senior vice chairperson of the House Quad Committee, vice chairperson of the Committees on Good Government and Public Accountability, Public Order and Safety, and Transportation, and membership in the Committees on Justice, Veterans Affairs and Welfare, and the Commission on Appointments.
House Resolution No. 601 highlights Acop's pivotal role in the House Quad Committee, where he helped investigate issues related to the war on drugs, Philippine offshore gaming operators, and human rights violations. His legislative work included authoring and co-authoring several landmark measures, such as Republic Act 11200, Republic Act 11961, and Republic Act 10913, also known as the 'Anti-Distracted Driving Act.'
Acop was also recognized for his conduct during inquiries in aid of legislation, which the resolution described as disciplined, fair, and respectful of due process, with resource persons questioned 'within the bounds of decency and institutional respect.' The resolution praised Acop as a model public servant and a passionate advocate for public order, integrity, and accountability, leaving behind 'a lasting legacy of true public service.'
The resolution concluded by stating, 'The passing of Honorable Romeo M. Acop is a great loss not only to his family, friends, colleagues, and the communities he served, but also to the Filipino people and to the country that benefited from his faithful and dedicated service.'
