SA napaulat na pagpapatiwakal ni dating Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. labis na kalungkutan ang nadama ng isa sa apat na miyembro ng isang grupo ng kongresistang higit na kilala sa tawag na Spice Boys ng Kamara.

Paniwala ni dating Anakalusugan partylist Rep. Mike Defensor, labis na kalungkutang dulot ng pagpanaw noong taong 2020 ng asawa ni Andaya ang nakikita niyang dahilan sa likod ng pagpapakamatay ng kabigang mambabatas na aniya’y kasangga niya sa Kamara sa ilalim ng 11th, 12th at 13th Congress – mga panahong sumikat ang grupong Spice Boys na binubuo ng mga batang kongresista.

“Nonoy is one of my closest friends. We were together in congress and in the cabinet. We share the same kind of sense of humor which many people may find weird,” ani Defensor.

Matapos ang kanilang pinagsamahan ng Kongreso, kapwa naman hinirang sa gabinete sina Defensor at Abaya sa ilalim ng administrasyon ni dating Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

“I am so sad over the tragic news on my birthday, a supposed day of celebration. Today I ask my well-wishers to offer their prayers instead for my dear friend Noy,” banggit pa ni Defensor.

Bukod kay Defensor, lubos rin ang pagkabigla ni Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers. Ani Barbers, hindi siya nakapagsalita matapos matanggap ang balita.

“I’m out of words! I’ve known Nonoy since college days to be a fun, jolly and a cheerful person! I will miss his company, his jokes, his friendship and our camaraderie! May you rest in peace Noy!!,” ani Barbers.

Maging si Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, nabigla at nakadama ng lungkot sa dating mambabatas na tulad niya’y mula sa rehiyon ng Bicolandia.

“I am especially saddened by how heavily the loss of his beloved Marissa, my colleague, must have weighed on Nonoy.  Nonoy Andaya will be remembered for the vigor with which he infused discussions on the national budget, arguably the House’s most important national function,” paabot na mensahe naman ni Salceda.

“He taught me how to win a war with attitude. He was brilliant! The world is a little dimmer now with his passing,” pahayag naman ni dating AMBIS-OWWA party-list Sharon Garin. (BERNARD TAGUINOD)