BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Colleagues of the late EB Magalona Mayor David Albert Lacson, who are mourning for his passing on December 3 due to COVID-19 complications, described him as a “good public servant” and one of the strong pillars of United Negros Alliance (UNegA).
Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer, who is the UNegA president, said that Lacson, who also served for three years as a member of the Negros Occidental Sangguniang Panlalawigan, had been a loyal party member.
Lacson died at the age of 46.
During its general assembly at the Bago City coliseum, UNegA led by its party chairman, Sagay City Mayor Alfredo Marañon III, spared a minute of silence and offered a prayer for Lacson.
Ferrer said that Lacson, who served as mayor of EB Magalona for nine years, was expected to attend their general assembly, shortly before he was hospitalized.
“There was no indication whatsoever that something may happen to him,” the vice governor added, who advised Lacson on November 30 to seek treatment in a hospital, which he did the next day.
Ferrer, who admitted to have been in shock over his death, also described Lacson as more than a “brother” to him, a dedicated worker and public servant.
UNegA secretary general Salvador Escalante Jr, who is the mayor of Cadiz City, and a former colleague of Lacson at the SP, said they were shocked by his sudden demise.
Escalante also regarded Lacson as a dedicated public servant, having been in the government service for more than a decade. Ferrer said Lacson was known to be a dedicated worker and public servant.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental is also expected to a pass a resolution during its regular session on Tuesday, expressing their sympathy to the family of Lacson.
Former Board Member Patrick Lacson, in his social media account, said “While I feel sad that you passed away so soon, I’m happy that there is nothing but love between us, not even politics was able to destroy.”
David, Patrick and Board Member Andrew Montelibano are first cousins.*