More than being a brilliant legislator, Committee Secretaries who worked with former Cong. Edgar Chatto in the 19th Congress attest to the latter’s sincerity, generosity and warmth.
“He inspires confidence, loyalty, and excellence in those who work with him,” Rommel Reyes, committee secretary of the House Committee on Climate Change, said of Chatto.
“Truly one of “the best and the brightest” in the chamber,” Reyes attested of Chatto who is looked up to by young legislators eager to learn from Chatto’s wealth of experience in both legislation and local governance.
He added that he admired Chatto for possessing the courage to do what is right, even when it is not what is popular, citing the groundbreaking and controversial nature of bills, the “Low Carbon Economy” and the “Climate Accountability” bills.
“It’s inspiring to work for a gracious, considerate, caring, and good-hearted boss,” Committee Secretary Melanie Mauricio of the Higher and Technical Education added.
Mauricio said Chatto’s work as Senior Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Higher and Technical Education (CHTE) was a display of passion, genuine concern, and aspiration for the advancement of higher education.
In a written statement, Jona Navarro of the House Committee on Tourism expressed privilege on working with Chatto, whose work ethic she described as an exemplary model for what an ideal lawmaker should be.
Navarro highlighted Chatto’s incisive participation in legislative proceedings, authoring landmark legislation.
“As our former Chairman in the House Committee on Tourism, we are very proud to call him as “the Father of the Tourism Act,” a law which is now used by stakeholders in the tourism industry as its legal bible,” Navarro said.
Meanwhile, Glenda Daco, Committee Secretary on Land Use, praised Chatto’s mentorship as one marked by humility, patience and sincerity.
“It is my honor to have served under the leadership of an indefatigable and charismatic leader and mentor,” Daco said, sharing personal experiences on local and international meetings and events attended by Chatto.
Moreover, Chatto’s own congressional office staff in Manila left words of appreciation for the first district representative.
Atty. Jessica Schuck, chief of staff, remarked on Chatto’s genuine heart for service.
For Mae Remojo-Paña, beyond remarkable professional achievements, Chatto has touched countless lives and helped many people.
“I myself have witnessed how he consistently demonstrates compassion for our constituents in the province,” she said of Chatto as a true beacon of inspiration, integrity, and excellence.
For Mary Grace Noog, working with Chatto was a truly inspiring experience.
“His leadership, wisdom, and unwavering support shaped not just my career, but also my character. I’m grateful for the trust he gave, the lessons he shared, and the example he set every day. He is indeed a true mentor and leader,” Noog said.
The committee secretaries and staff came to bid farewell to Chatto at the closing of the 19th Congress.
Chatto served as congressman for 5 terms. He authored landmark laws on tourism, education, health, climate change, aside from local legislation.