Quezon City: Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Monday expressed profound grief and outrage over the fatal shooting of an official of the House of Representatives, calling the attack a brutal and senseless act of violence that must not go unanswered. Director Mauricio Pulhin, 63, chief of Technical Staff of the House Committee on Ways and Means, was gunned down over the weekend in an incident that has shocked the congressional community and raised concerns over the safety of government personnel.
According to Philippines News Agency, Pulhin was shot around 2:50 p.m. on Sunday during his daughter's birthday celebration in Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City. Initial investigation revealed that two unidentified suspects entered the venue and shot the victim at close range. As they fled on a motorcycle, they also fired at the subdivision's security guard before escaping. The victim was rushed to the Far Eastern University-Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation Hospital but was later declared dead by the attending physician.
Speaker Romualdez described Pulhin as a long-serving and dedicated public servant whose professionalism, integrity, and quiet commitment to his work earned him the respect of his peers and superiors alike. He condemned the act of violence in the strongest possible terms and called on the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and other law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial, and swift investigation. He emphasized that all angles, including Pulhin's professional affiliations, must be pursued to ensure justice is served.
Romualdez extended deep condolences and unwavering support to Pulhin's family, assuring them that every effort would be made to bring those responsible for the crime to justice. He also addressed members of the House Secretariat and the broader congressional workforce, urging unity and vigilance in the wake of the killing. Romualdez encouraged them to channel their grief and anger into a demand for justice not only for Director Pulhin but for every Filipino who falls victim to senseless violence.
