MANILA (December 21) – Antipolo City 2nd District Representative Romeo Acop died on Saturday night, police confirmed. He was found unconscious in his room around 10:12 p.m. by his youngest child, Dr. Karla Marie Acop, and his security aide after a nurse reported an emergency. He was rushed to Assumption Hospital and pronounced dead at 10:56 p.m. He was 78.
In Congress, Acop was widely respected for his sharp, methodical questioning during high-profile hearings on transportation, public safety, illegal drugs, and corruption. He played a key role in House inquiries that exposed allegedly fictitious names on acknowledgement receipts submitted for confidential expenses, including documents linked to the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education. Subsequent records from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed the names did not exist in its database.
Acop also figured prominently in investigations into alleged irregularities in flood control projects, where he pressed officials on compliance with laws and procedures governing the Department of Public Works and Highways.
One of his final public appearances was with fellow National Unity Party members, announcing plans to file an ethics complaint against Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga.
