Rep. Erico Aumentado of Bohol died of pneumonia at St. Lukes Medical Center Global City at 8:37 pm on Christmas Day. He was 72 years old.

Aumentado was the chairman of the House committee on ethics and privileges. He represented Bohol at the House for four terms and was a governor for three terms. He also served as vice governor and member of the provincial board.

Executive Director Bernadette de la Cuesta of the House Media Relations office said that the House will hold a necrological service for Aumentado on December 27 at 10 a.m.

De la Cuesta said Aumentado’s remains may be brought to Bohol this weekend.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. described Aumentado as one of the country’s most exemplary public servants because he transformed Bohol into one of the most progressive, peaceful and richest provinces.

“He was truly an outstanding solon. He was learned, dedicated and principled. A gifted writer and newspaperman, Eric pursued his crusading spirit in politics, faithful to his oath and to the highest standards of public service,” Belmonte said.

“He was a very dear friend for whom I had the highest respect both as a colleague in Congress and in the writing profession. His integrity and honor have never been in doubt. He died a poor man because he never made politics the source of his livelihood,” Belmonte added.

Rep. Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar, chairman of the House committee on public information, said that Aumentado was very passionate about democracy, rule of law and protection of the interests of the less fortunate sector.

“He was a dedicated and very sincere public servant,” Evardone said.