MANILA — Former Northern Samar 1st District Representative Raul Daza has passed away at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy spanning more than fifty years of public service as a legislator, governor, lawyer, and certified public accountant. His family confirmed his peaceful passing on Thursday, October 15.
In an official statement, the family shared their grief over the loss of the veteran political leader, highlighting his multifaceted roles throughout his lifetime.
“It is with profound sadness that our family announces the passing of our beloved Raul Aguila Daza. He peacefully passed away at 91 years old. He was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, colleague, mentor, and friend,” Daza’s family said.
Daza spent seven terms representing the House of Representatives between 1969 and 2019, during which he held high-ranking positions such as Speaker Pro Tempore and Senior Deputy Speaker.
In addition to his congressional tenure, he served three consecutive terms as the governor of Northern Samar from 2001 to 2010.
“For more than five decades, he devoted his life to public service as a lawyer, certified public accountant, legislator, governor, and political leader. He served seven terms in the House of Representatives between 1969 and 2019, including as Speaker Pro Tempore and Senior Deputy Speaker, and three terms as Governor of Northern Samar from 2001 to 2010,” his relatives added.
Beyond his institutional achievements, Daza was widely recognized for his staunch opposition to the martial law regime of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
As a long-standing member of the Liberal Party—having joined in 1965—he challenged the abolition of Congress and faced arrest orders that forced him into self-exile in the United States, where he sustained his anti-dictatorship activism in California.
He eventually returned to the Philippines in 1985, two years after the assassination of former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., and later helped rebuild the Liberal Party ahead of the 1986 elections.
“A steadfast defender of democracy, justice, and the rule of law, he stood firm in his convictions through the martial law years and political exile. He was a member of the Liberal Party for 61 years, beginning in 1965, and served as its President from 1994 to 1998. He later chaired the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats,” the family noted.
Following the EDSA People Power Revolution, Daza assumed key government responsibilities, including serving as Deputy Minister of the Presidential Commission on Good Government and Commissioner of the Presidential Commission on Constitutional Reforms.
During the historic 8th Congress—the inaugural legislative body under the 1987 Constitution—he played a pivotal role in drafting the House rules.
His family reflected on his deep empathy and enduring political legacy, expressing gratitude for the public’s overwhelming support.
“He was a man who genuinely put himself in the shoes of others. We will miss him dearly, but his life and principles will continue to guide and inspire our families and future generations. We express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has extended their prayers, condolences, and support during this difficult time,” they said.
Daza’s political footprint in Northern Samar remains deeply rooted in his family, with his son, former Representative Paul Daza, and his grandson, incumbent Northern Samar 1st District Representative Niko Raul Daza, succeeding him in public office.